Little Robyn has been the face of the campaign       

By Craig Robertson FOR EVERY parent of a child with a life-limiting condition, the beginning of work on the new hospice is fantastic news. But for Gilbert and Sylvia Watterson it is particularly poignant. Their little girl, Robyn, has been the face of the campaign from the beginning and they are so proud of her involvement. “It’s absolutely magic that work has begun. It was so nice seeing that spade go in. We’ve had to bare our souls to the world the last few years to publicise the campaign, but today makes it all worthwhile,” said Gilbert.

Robyn helps Sharleen and Ewan  with the ceremonial spadework.

“Robyn was three when we started and she’s now nearly seven. Of course we couldn’t be sure she’d be around to see this day — the prognosis for Hurler’s Syndrome is six to 10 years — but I’m now confident she’ll see the hospice open and see what she has achieved.” The new hospice is to be named Robin House, officially after the bird rather than Gilbert’s daughter, but as far as he’s concerned her name will live on in the new building. “I’m so proud of her and so chuffed the hospice will be named after her. They say it’s named after the robin because it’s a tenacious wee bird. “Well, we’ve got a tenacious wee bird at home too and if it’s a happy coincidence then I’ll settle for that. “There is such a need for this service, and I want to thank the people of Scotland and Sunday Post readers in particular for putting their hands in their pockets and making this possible. “I know how important it is to make Robyn’s life worthwhile and the new hospice will help that immensely. She has been involved in fund-raising more than half her life.  “This has been a great day.”

You can e-mail us at: hospice@sundaypost.com