A mother-of-two made a life-changing decision to switch careers from banking to midwifery after her son was born with a cleft palate. Nicole Stirrat, a 39-year-old mother from Uddingston, embarked on this new journey after facing challenges with her youngest son, Alex, who was born with a cleft palate and Pierre Robin syndrome impacting his hearing and development. The Cleft Palate Clinic at Glasgow Children’s Hospital played a crucial role in supporting her family during this difficult time.
Nicole recounted the numerous surgeries and medical procedures that Alex had to undergo, including a cleft palate repair at nine months old, grommet surgery, and a partial adenoidectomy. Juggling her son’s medical needs with the demanding hours of her banking job became increasingly arduous, prompting Nicole to seek a change after 18 years in the financial sector.
Driven by her personal experience and a desire to make a difference, Nicole decided to pursue a career in midwifery at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). She was inspired to help others following the compassionate care she and her son received from the cleft team at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. Nicole aims to give back to the clinic that provided invaluable support to her family by fundraising to ensure other families receive similar life-changing care.
Working alongside her peers from the Midwifery course at UWS, Nicole has been actively participating in a charitable campaign to raise donations for children at the hospital. Their efforts aim to provide toys and essential items to the children and their families, particularly during the festive Christmas period. Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, commended Nicole’s generosity and dedication, highlighting the positive impact of her contributions.
Sheona Brown, a lecturer at UWS leading the annual charity initiative, praised Nicole for her exceptional commitment and compassion. The fundraiser aims not only to bring joy to children and families in need but also to acknowledge and appreciate the supportive care provided by the hospital. Sheona expressed pride in standing alongside Nicole and the team in delivering these meaningful gifts.
Nicole’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of personal experiences to spark positive change and generosity within communities. Her transition from a corporate career to a compassionate profession exemplifies the profound impact of empathy and resilience in making a difference in the lives of others.