Help the Royal Alexandra Hospital SCBU get a twin cot

Julia Gallacher is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Glasgow Childrens Hospital Charity.

This March, our sweet twins were born prematurely at 32+1 weeks and spent 2.5 weeks in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. The care we received was extraordinary — gentle, skilled, and full of heart. A time that would otherwise have been terrifying became one of surprisingly sweet memories we'll cherish forever. Our twins are now home and thriving, thanks in great part to the wonderful nurses and doctors at the RAH.

I’m setting up this fundraiser as a thank you to the amazing staff, and as a gift from all local twin families who understand the unique journey of welcoming two babies at once.

The RAH SCBU currently doesn’t have a twin cot at all. A twin cot in a hospital setting refers to a specially designed cot that allows premature twins to stay together (you can see what it looks like in the final image on this page). You can also see the set up the unit currently uses instead in our photos. They make everything as wonderful, calming, and caring as possible for your babies. But it's just not the same as having a twin cot that little babies can share during their stay.

This fundraiser will go directly towards purchasing their very first hospital twin cot - via the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity who organises this type of equipment locally - to benefit future families with twins born too soon or sick.

Let’s give something meaningful back to the RAH SCBU. Every contribution, big or small, will help make this happen! This fundraiser is for the exact cost of the twin cot, though anything extra (if we can even aim that high) will also go to the RAH for their Special Care Baby Unit.

Why does a twin cot matter?

Supports bonding – Premature twins can be comforted by each other’s presence, helping regulate their breathing, heart rate, and sleep.
Reduces stress – Being together lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels in both babies.
Encourages breastfeeding – Twins kept together are more likely to feed in sync and establish breastfeeding more easily.
Aids development – Research shows co-bedding twins can support their emotional and physical development.
Practical benefits for staff – Allows for more streamlined care when both babies are in the same space.

If you’ve had a baby cared for at the RAH SCBU — or simply want to make a difference — please consider donating. Let’s help future twins feel safe in each other’s arms from the very beginning.

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