Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland Announces New Chief Executive

Whilst it is with sadness that we announce our Chief Executive, of 34 years, Andrew H D Wynd MBE, is retiring on the 20th October. We are indeed proud to announce that a new Chief Executive Officer has now been appointed.

Lawrence Cowan is currently Director of Income Generation at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and will assume his new role in October 2023 when he replaces Andy Wynd, who is stepping down after joining the charity back in 1989.

Christmas Appeal is Launched

Through unexpected news or difficult times SBH Scotland will be there so no one is left to cope alone. Each year we have to raise over £1 million to provide dedicated support. This Christmas we've launched a new appeal so we can raise £20,000 towards our annual goal. Anything you can donate will be gratefully received and will allow us to provide support and information for families like Jack’s.

Nicola and Chris Heaton were going to a routine 20 week scan when they received the news that their unborn baby had spina bifida. Nicola said,

“It was such a shock. We didn’t really know anything about it, you never expect or want to hear that news. We were given the worst case scenario by doctors about what lay ahead and then were left on our own to get on with it ourselves and make our own decisions. We wouldn’t have known where to turn if we hadn’t found SBH Scotland. From that first phone call to SBH Scotland we never looked back. They were so reassuring and positive. They also said it was a beginning, not the end and that they would be there for us every step of the way. They were absolutely right about everything - Jack is a dream come true. He’s just the happiest, bubbliest boy. We couldn’t imagine our world without him.”

Jack is now 3 and thriving! Scooting about in one of the Scotland’s smallest wheelchairs, he’s getting more independent each day. Since diagnosis SBH Scotland have been able to provide support and information for the Heaton family via phone, in our support centre or in hospital.

Chris says, “The doctors are amazing but they give information in black and white. When we spoke to SBHS they added the colour and life. It was everything we needed at that time.”

PLEASE DONATE this Christmas so SBH Scotland can add colour and life into other families lives.

Opening date for Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger revealed

The much-anticipated launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger restaurant in Edinburgh is due to take place on 1 December but the capital’s eager foodies can grab a sneak-peak and bite to eat when the doors open early on the 28^th November for a charity fundraising day.

The launch day will allow guests to enjoy Scotland’s first Street Burger restaurant with all proceeds going to the restaurant’s charity partner, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland. SBH Scotland Honorary Patron, Gordon Ramsay OBE, has also pledged to match all the proceeds from the day to ensure the charity get an extra special festive funds boost.

In a bid to further bolster the charity partnership, from the 29^th until the end of December, a £1 voluntary donation will be added to diners’ bills at Street Burger as well as the St Andrew Square restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen and Bar.

The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

A spokesperson from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “We have been working on the launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger for a long time and we are very much looking forward to opening the doors to our first burger restaurant in Scotland.

“This special launch day gives us the opportunity to showcase our food whilst giving back to SBH Scotland and supporting all the incredible work the charity does to help families in Scotland.”

Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, Gordon and his wife Tana, have continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.

Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “Gordon Ramsay has been a great friend of SBH Scotland for nearly two decades and we remain thankful to him and his restaurant teams for such continued generosity.

“Funds raised at this time of year are crucial for the dedicated support we can provide now and for the next 12 months. As well as our personal home and hospital support, health check clinics, counselling service and groups we’ve also just extended our financial support service for families affected by the cost of living crisis. We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and we are grateful for every pound donated.

“This festive season, we hope all diners visiting Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger will be happy to know that every meal they have will help us continue supporting thousands of families at a time when they need it the most.”

SBH Scotland welcome 'FABULOUS' new ambassador

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) has welcomed Scottish radio presenter and television personality, James Smith, as a charity ambassador.

Also known by his alter-ego, Mr Fabulous, James presents a number of shows on Paisley FM, Scene Radio and Camglen Radio and regularly works with STV, will be raising the profile of SBH Scotland, which works with young people and their families who have been affected by the life-long conditions of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

James, from the West of Glasgow, has been involved with SBH Scotland for a number of years, giving support to our fundraising efforts and acting as a judge at our annual ‘Strictly Come Prancing’ event, which was inspired by the hit BBC show.

As ambassador, James’ main role will be to work with the charity to raise awareness of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, along with making people aware of the services the charity can offer, including support and social groups, financial advice and health clinics.

James will be joining SBH Scotland’s team of existing ambassadors and patrons, including Gordon Ramsay, Duncan Bannatyne, Nicola Cassells and Meggan Dawson-Farrell.

James said: “I am so excited to have joined SBH Scotland as an ambassador. I work with many charities, and I’ve been blown away by the incredible work SBH Scotland carries out to help those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

“I want to make sure that everyone who has been affected by these conditions knows that they are not alone; SBH Scotland has helped to create a community of people who can help and support you through whatever life throws at you, from me, other volunteers and their staff, to those attending the support groups.”

SBH Scotland are required to raise over £1 million in funding to continue to support over 3,500 children, young people and adults with our support services. With the unprecedented outbreak of Coronavirus we face further financial challenges as we work to ensure all members know they are not alone at the most isolating of times. To reach our targets we are now almost solely reliant on the generosity of the public and trust and grant making bodies after many fundraising initiatives have been postponed or cancelled.

Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland, said: “James has been a huge advocate for our charity for a number of years, and his appointment as charity ambassador now makes it official. It’s also an incredibly positive bit of news for us to share at such an uncertain time for so many.

“James is an incredibly compassionate person with a real desire to help others, just as we do at SBH Scotland. We’re looking forward to working with him for years to come, helping those who need our support.”

Find out more about SBH Scotland's Ambassadors or find ot how you can support us during the Covid-19 pandemic.