Midwifery student Nicole Stirrat has turned her family’s personal journey into a heartwarming mission to raise funds for the Cleft Palate Clinic at Glasgow Children’s Hospital this Christmas. 

Nicole,39, from Uddingston, a second-year student at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and mother of two, knows firsthand the life-changing impact of the cleft team’s support. Her youngest son, Alex, was born with a cleft palate and Pierre Robin syndrome, conditions that presented significant challenges for his hearing and development.

Moved by the specialist care and emotional support her family received, Nicole made the courageous decision to leave her 18-year career in banking and finance to pursue midwifery, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Alex has had a lot of operations, including a cleft palate repair when he was just nine months old, surgery for grommets, and a partial adenoidectomy. These procedures were needed for his development, but they were really challenging for all of us.

“Balancing his medical needs with the long hours of my financial work became incredibly difficult, and I knew I needed a change. After 18 years in banking, I decided to leave my career to pursue midwifery because I wanted to do something that really made a difference.”

Now Nicole, alongside colleagues and friends in the University, wants to give back to the clinic that made such a difference in little Alex’s life. 

The cleft team at Glasgow Children’s Hospital provided expert medical care but they also gave us emotional support that we couldn’t have managed without. Fundraising for the clinic is my way of giving back and helping ensure other families receive the same life-changing care we did.

"From providing us with specialist bottles to offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the cleft team has been a lifeline for us and so many families.”

Working with friends and colleagues from her Midwifery course at UWS, Nicole has been sharing a QR code to encourage donations which will be used to purchase toys and essential items for the children and their families – with plans to deliver these gifts just in time for Christmas. 

Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We have such deep admiration for Nicole and are incredibly grateful for her generous support. The cleft team do fantastic work to help children from across Scotland like Alex, while supporting their families too.

Nicole's decision to pursue a career in healthcare is testament to the inspirational work that takes place at the children's hospital, and we all wish her the very best in her studies at UWS and future career.

Kirsten Watson, CEO, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity

Nicole’s efforts are part of a wider Christmas initiative led by UWS midwifery lecturer Sheona Brown, who annually organises a fundraiser for charity. Speaking about this years’ initiative, Sheona said: “Nicole is an exceptional student. I am very honoured that we can pay back in her name and in recognition of the service that Alex received following his birth.

“It’s truly heartwarming to see the generosity and dedication of students like Nicole, who go above and beyond to support families in need.

This annual fundraiser is about bringing a little joy to children and their loved ones during what can be a challenging time of year. Nicole’s personal story makes this even more special, and I’m so proud to stand alongside her and our team to deliver these gifts.

UWS midwifery lecturer Sheona Brown