The Archie Foundation has reported a sharp rise in the number of children and families it supported in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its 25th anniversary year.

A total of 4440 babies and children received direct support from the charity, up from 3385 in 2024, representing an increase of 31 per cent.

The charity operates across Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and Islands, supporting families through hospital stays, recovery and bereavement.

More than 50,000 children were also indirectly supported through services linked to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells and the Highland Children’s Unit and Birnie Centre at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

The Archie Family Centre in Aberdeen provided 1386 parents with free accommodation, allowing them to remain close to their child during treatment.

This equated to 4744 nights of accommodation, an increase of almost 15 per cent on the previous year.

Demand also continued to grow for the charity’s bereavement services, which offer specialist support to children coping with loss or facing the end of life care of a loved one.

In 2025, 597 children accessed this support, including 105 from the Highlands.

Paula Cormack said:

“Last year saw a significant increase in our impact across all areas of our work, which was only made possible thanks to our generous supporters, committed staff and dedicated volunteers, who clocked up an impressive 1,865 hours of time donated free of charge.

“This increase also reflects a rising demand for our services, as many more children, babies and families across Scotland continue to need our support during some of their most challenging moments.”

The charity also approved 605 funding applications, totalling more than £795,683.

This funding helps provide specialist equipment and resources to support recovery and rehabilitation, while also offering practical help to families facing unexpected hospital stays.

Grants can be used to cover travel costs, accommodation and essential items, helping to ease financial pressure during difficult periods.

Fundraising activity remains central to the charity’s work, with events ranging from abseils and walking challenges to marathons and community led initiatives.

Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to be another busy year, with the Highland Children’s Unit marking its 10th anniversary in May and the largest Archie Variety Show to date planned for September.

The charity is also continuing its £2 million Baird Appeal ahead of the opening of the new Baird Family Hospital.

The figures highlight both the growing reach of the organisation and the increasing demand for support across Scotland.

Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.