Aoife’s Sensory Bus, created by Ayrshire dad Michael Kidd in memory of his daughter, has arrived at Silverburn for the October half term holidays. The bus is operated by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and gives children and young people who find busy or noisy environments overwhelming a place to unwind and explore at their own pace.
A tribute to Aoife
Michael Kidd created the sensory bus as a tribute to his daughter Aoife, who passed away from a brain tumour in 2019, aged six. Aoife was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 16 months old and went through several surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a clinical trial, which left her with developmental delay and additional support needs.
While she was having physiotherapy at Yorkhill Hospital after her first operation, Michael saw first-hand how a sensory room helped her relax and focus during an incredibly difficult time. Inside the bus, youngsters can discover a musical touch wall, a colour column, an interactive mood light and a musical hand wall.
Supporting children during Sensory Awareness Month
The bus’s visit to Silverburn falls during Sensory Awareness Month, which runs throughout October to raise understanding of sensory processing differences. Michael Kidd, from Monkton, said: “The bus aims to provide a safe and welcoming space where children can relax, have fun and experience sensory stimulation.
“It can also offer a positive distraction from medical tests, assessments and appointments, helping to make difficult experiences a little easier. What started with Aoife’s journey has become a way of carrying her memory forward and making a difference to the lives of many other children and families.”
Partnership and community response
William McGowan-Smith, Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted to bring Aoife’s Sensory Bus to Silverburn for the school holidays. It’s the latest activity in our long-standing partnership, following the fantastic fun of Flamingo Beach in the summer, and ahead of the excitement of Christmas. The sensory equipment in the bus helps children manage their emotions and can help to reduce anxiety, in a similar way to our sensory rooms and equipment at the hospital. We’re grateful to everyone who visits the bus for generously supporting our young patients.”
Diarmuid Donohoe, General Manager at Silverburn, said: “The school holidays are one of our busiest times and we want Silverburn to be somewhere every family can come, take a breather and enjoy their day, and Aoife’s Sensory Bus gives children a calm space to do exactly that. Michael has turned something unimaginably hard into a way of helping other families, and it’s a privilege to host the bus at Silverburn. I’m sure lots of local children will enjoy spending time on board over the holidays.”
The bus is free to use and will be located just outside the centre, near the entrance next to Tesco, until Monday 19 October. Donations to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity are welcome.
