Three years in hospital as a baby; now she lifts every child on the ward

Madiee Merrick, 16, spent the first three and a half years of her life in hospital, endured countless surgeries, a small-bowel transplant at five, and later cancer and chemotherapy. She has now received the Children's Bravery Award at the 2026 Scottish Children's Health Awards — not just for surviving, but for what she does on Ward 3B of Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children, where she lifts the spirits of younger patients with her positivity. 'Madiee takes everything in her stride,' said her mum Alana. 'We've always known how special she is — now everyone can see too.'