By Paul Hastie AFTER treatment for nerve pain at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill last week, Jess Atkinson was expecting a quiet afternoon resting on her hospital bed. But the 13-year-old from John O’Groats was stunned when the
stars of The X Factor walked into her ward! In came Leona, Ray, Eton Road and Scots favourites The MacDonald Brothers. Autographs “I couldn’t believe it,” said Jess. “I had no idea they’d be here till
they walked through my door. I got autographs from everyone and spoke to Ray and the MacDonald Brothers. Everything about the day was great.”
Jess poses for pictures with Brian and Craig.
Jess has been going to Yorkhill for treatment since she was four months old. She suffers from a multitude of severe allergies — many of which
are potentially life-threatening. She has severe asthma and her immune system is virtually
non-existent. To keep it under control she has three inhalers and takes steroid tablets. Steroids The steroids have affected Jess’s growth and she remains the size she was when she first took them, aged nine. Mum Diane says Yorkhill has been fantastic ever since Jess’s first visit as a baby. “Jess first went into hospital the day after we moved to Scotland from Portsmouth. She had a rash over her body and couldn’t keep food down. “It turned out she was allergic to my breast milk. Now she has serious allergies to milk, dust, penicillin and about 40 other things. She caught a virus in her first days at high school two years ago because of the new environment — so now she only
goes part-time. “It’s a long trip to Yorkhill, but it’s worth it for the specialist pain clinic there.” Meeting the MacDonald Brothers was an added excitement for Jess. The surprise visit was arranged by Louise Miles — a fundraiser for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. Her daughter Katy received cancer treatment at Yorkhill and met
The X Factor team when she was given a Child Of Courage award last year. Steroids Louise explained, “Katy sat next to Sharon Osbourne at the ceremony
and we’ve kept in touch ever since. “I knew The X Factor tour was coming to Glasgow last Sunday so I called Sharon’s agent who helped arrange a visit. “We weren’t exactly sure who was coming until Monday morning, so it really was a big surprise.” It wasn’t just Jess who enjoyed the visit, the MacDonald Brothers had a great time meeting her and the other youngsters. Brian and Craig said, “We were really pleased to be able to visit Yorkhill when we were home in Glasgow during the tour. “We met some wonderful children and were so happy we had the opportunity to support the hospital. We’re hoping to help out in the future by raising money for The Sunday Post’s campaign.”
But the 13-year-old from John O’Groats was stunned when the
stars of The X Factor walked into her ward!
Jess poses for pictures with Brian and Craig.
