MSP Who Spent Childhood in Hospital Backs Yorkhill Memorial Garden Campaign

By Gary Fanning

A Glasgow MSP who spent much of her childhood in hospital has thrown her weight behind a growing community campaign to create a memorial garden on the grounds of the former Yorkhill Sick Children’s Hospital and Queen Mother Maternity Hospital.

Glasgow Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy MBE, pictured above, says the proposed garden would be a powerful and lasting tribute to the children, families and NHS staff whose lives were shaped within the walls of the much-loved institutions.

Ms Duncan-Glancy, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at just 18 months old, spent years in and out of hospital as a child.

Her experiences, she says, give her a deep understanding of the lifelong memories created in children’s wards.

“I spent years of my childhood in hospital, and I know how important the memories made there are,” she said.

“That’s why I believe we must honour the memories made at Yorkhill too, and I’m pleased to support The Splash and Kelvingrove Community Council’s campaign to do this.

“A memorial garden would leave a lasting tribute to every child, family and NHS hero who gave their all at Yorkhill.

“We have a moment to act and we should take it — let’s save the legacy of Yorkhill and the memories of those who worked there and those who were cared for there.”

Ms Duncan-Glancy, who has been an MSP for the Glasgow region since May 2021, is the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament.

Although her arthritis went into remission by her teenage years, the damage to her joints meant she required a wheelchair from a young age and needed round-the-clock care throughout childhood.

Her backing has given fresh momentum to The Heart of Yorkhill campaign, launched on November 25 by The Splash, Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council and councillor Philip Bratt, which aims to secure a permanent memorial garden as part of the site’s future.