Gill Wheeldon
- April 2024 Retired
- June 1992 Founding member
- June 1987 First fundraising campaign to buy a microwave
Gill, one of our founding members.
It all started by fundraising for a microwave for the babies, raising funds by baking and selling cakes in the corridor.
I qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1976 and worked in various areas, including the former Princess Mary Maternity Hospital and the local education authority. In 1987, I took up a position in Paediatrics at Newcastle General Hospital, and in 1988, the first “Bubble Baby” was referred to the children’s ward (which later developed into the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit). In 1992, I was involved in setting up the Bubble Foundation UK, and due to its success, in 1997, I decided to split my time equally between fundraising and working on the ward as a Nursery Nurse on the Children’s BMT Unit. In 2001, I was appointed as a full-time Fundraising Manager and traveled all over the UK and Ireland, raising awareness and funds for the Foundation.
By the time I retired in 2024, I had raised £4 million.
In the news
1987–1992 | Newcastle General Hospital
The Bubble Unit was established at Newcastle General Hospital in 1987 to treat babies and children with severe immune deficiencies requiring bone marrow transplantation. In 1992, the Bubble Foundation was formally registered as a charity and dedicated fundraising began, led by staff and parents.
1990s–2000s | Community fundraising and school involvement
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Gill Johnston appeared regularly in school newsletters and parish magazines as Fundraising Manager for the Bubble Foundation, attending cheque presentations and explaining how community fundraising supported children and families on the Bubble Unit.
November 2007 - All change for Rhys' little brother
Caring for a seriously ill child is exhausting, but for Kevin and Dawn Harris, it also means making life as normal as possible for their younger son, four-year-old Morgan. The family moved from Newbridge to Newcastle so Rhys could undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant at Newcastle General Hospital.
Now six, Rhys is on the road to recovery, building a new immune system to fight his condition. He may still need to stay in hospital for months, so his parents split their time between sitting with Rhys and being at home with Morgan, who is settling into St George’s Roman Catholic Primary School nearby.
The Harris family is supported by the Bubble Foundation, which helps make life in the hospital bubble as happy as possible. The charity provides toys, games, learning equipment, TVs, and other extras not covered by the NHS, giving children vital stimulation during long stays.
Fundraising manager Gill Johnston, who founded the Bubble Foundation, explains: “For these youngsters, this is their last hope. What we do is provide the extras that keep them entertained, comforted, and connected to a normal childhood while they fight for their lives.”
https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/1821692.all-change-for-rhys-little-brother/
July 2010 – Lanchester Village Voice
Gill Johnston, Fundraising Manager at the Bubble Foundation, is pictured receiving donations from community fundraising efforts supporting the Bubble Unit. At a ceremony at All Saints’ RC Primary School, Kieran Bell presented £1,387.30 to Gill Johnston of the Bubble Foundation. The money was raised through a school fun run in support of the Newcastle hospital unit treating children with immune deficiencies, including Kieran’s sister Emma.
https://www.lanchestervillagevoice.co.uk/Content/Issues/2010/SECURE_July2010.pdf
13th January 2013 Northallerton lad inspires charity effort for Bubble Foundation
Fundraising manager Gill Johnston praised the family, saying: “To have the Spencer family help other children when they have been through so much themselves is just fantastic.” The funds will support transplant patients with laptops to keep in touch with families and craft activities during isolation.
February 2013 Boxers battle for charity
Heavyweight boxers donned their gloves to raise vital funds for the Bubble Foundation, a charity supporting babies born with no immune system.
Ex-professionals from the European Boxing Federation (EBF) have already raised thousands through matches, helping the Bubble Unit at Newcastle General Hospital, where children with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) receive life-saving treatment. Gary Firby, 27, and Tony Hallet, 44, visited the hospital to see firsthand how their fundraising makes a difference.
Gill Johnston, fundraising manager for the Bubble Foundation, said: “The staff, parents, and especially the babies are incredibly grateful for their support. Every pound helps us provide vital care, toys, and equipment to brighten the children’s time in the bubble.”
The next EBF charity event in the North East will take place at Gateshead Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 3. Tickets are £25.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/boxers-battle-for-charity-1484759
September 2013 – Return of the Sunday soul sessions, 2013
The Smokin’ Spitfires revived Newcastle’s Sunday soul sessions with a series of benefit gigs at The Cluny, raising funds for the Bubble Foundation. Introduced to the cause by Gill Johnston, the band has long supported the charity’s life-saving work with immune-compromised children.
https://phillambell.wordpress.com/tag/newcastle-playhouse/
November 2013 - Model way to support the Bubble Foundation
Models strutted their stuff at a fashion show to help raise vital funds for the Bubble Foundation. A packed crowd attended the fun event at The Diamond Inn in Ponteland, Newcastle. The charity winter fashion show was organised by owners of clothes...
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-journal-1216/20131129/page/17
29 Jan 2014 - Brian on All star family fortunes
Star Brian McFadden’s appearance on a popular television gameshow has raised thousands of pounds for the North East’s Bubble Foundation. The Irish celebrity was on ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes at the weekend and netted £4,530.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-journal-1216/20140129/page/11
13 Jun 2014 - Midnight beach bootcamp
A midnight beach bootcamp is being held in the North East to raise vital funds for a charity that helps sick children. The event is being held at midnight tonight at Longsands beach in Tynemouth to support the Bubble Foundation.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-journal-1216/20140613/281749857423268
August 2014 - Journal campaign safeguards future of the Bubble Research Foundation at the Great North Children's Hospital.
A campaign by The Journal to safeguard the North East’s pioneering research in tackling immune system disorders has been a success. In October, we launched our Bubble Foundation campaign to raise vital funds for the important charity after it was at serious risk of closure due to a sharp reduction in donations. Now, thanks to many kind-hearted people in the region, the Foundation is out of the danger zone as a staggering £188,082 has been raised since our campaign began. However, more money is still desperately needed to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the important charity.
Gill Johnston, fundraising manager for the Bubble Foundation, said: “Thank you to The Journal and all it’s readers for their support, it is very much appreciated, but the need continues if we are to carry on saving more lives of precious children.” The Bubble Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital, based at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, is one of only two nationally designated services that treats children with little or no immune system.
More than 20 years ago, the Bubble Foundation was set up in support of the service to help fund groundbreaking research into immune deficiencies, along with providing medical equipment, toys and educational aids for the children being treated.
26 Sep 2014 - Five-a-side football match in Newcastle raises hundreds for poorly children
A charity five-a-side football tournament in Newcastle has kicked off £500 for poorly children supported by the Bubble Foundation.
The event at Walker Activity Dome saw 18 teams battle it out for top honours, including squads from Northumbria Police, the North East Ambulance Service, the College of Policing, and the Asian All Stars. Byker Neighbourhood Policing Team claimed the winners’ trophy, kindly donated by the Northumbria Police Benevolent Fund.
Sgt Michelle Jahangiri, who organises the event in partnership with Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, said: “It was a brilliant day. Everyone had fun and raised money that will help brave children and their families.”
Fundraising manager Gill Johnston praised the community spirit: “Michelle has brought people together to support the Bubble Unit. Every pound raised helps us save children’s lives and support their families.”
April 2015 – Lanchester beer festival launched - Village Voice
Lanchester Cricket Club is thrilled to announce that the Bubble Foundation UK will be the charity of the year for the 2015 Beer Festival. The Foundation raises vital funds for the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital, where babies and children born without an immune system receive life-saving treatment. Donations provide essential medical equipment, educational resources, toys, family support, and fund cutting-edge research. The Club has supported the Bubble Foundation since 1993, with creative fundraising events over the years, including a memorable bed-pushing challenge through Lanchester. The festival runs from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, featuring live music from Sate Express 5, Smokin’ Spitfires, and The Pretty Weeds, alongside fundraising activities. Tickets range from £7 for day entry to £12 for the weekend, including a commemorative glass, programme, and beer tokens.
https://www.lanchestervillagevoice.co.uk/Content/Issues/2015/SECURE_April2015.pdf
The launch of the Beer Festival by:Denise Robertson, Broadcaster, Novelist and Agony Aunt, Patron of the Bubble Foundation and 46 other charities; Neil Graham, Chairman Lanchester Cricket Club; Gary Martin and Jim Potts, Cricket Club; Gill Johnston, Fund Manager, Bubble Foundation.
25 May 2015- Family fundraising for Bubble Unit
Families, friends, and even superheroes are joining forces to help Ethan Greenwood raise funds for the Bubble Unit, where he will receive specialist care in the coming months. Fun and games with a Disney and superhero theme are planned at Bradford Ice Rink on June 27 2015 from 4.30pm to 7pm, with tickets priced at £4. A sponsored walk around Shipley will also take place on May 30 2015.
Ethan’s aunt Dawn Fletcher, her partner Dawny Robb, and friend Nathan Musson are encouraging the community to join the events. All funds raised will support the Bubble Foundation UK, helping to buy medical equipment, toys, and educational aids for children in isolation, as well as funding vital research.
Gill Johnston, fundraising manager for the Bubble Foundation, said: “It’s incredible what Ethan and his family are doing. Every donation helps our patients stay busy and happy in their bubbles and get home to enjoy life again.”
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/12970126.family-fundraising-for-bubble-unit/
23 July 2015 – Chronicle Live
After a difficult 18 months, the Bubble Foundation UK recovers from the brink of closure, with fundraising manager Gill Johnston explaining the charity’s ongoing need for £200,000 annually. After a challenging 18 months, Newcastle’s Bubble Foundation UK is back on its feet, supporting the city’s vital Bone Marrow Transplant Unit thanks to generous donations from people across the North East, though significant annual funding is still needed.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/life-line-charity-newcastles-famous-9714333
27 October 2015 - Bubble Foundation appeal launched for child immune research
A charity which helps children with the most severe immune conditions is launching its biggest ever fundraising appeal. The Bubble Foundation UK works with the Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle. The new appeal is to support research into immune deficiencies, as well as toys, educational aids and medical equipment for patients. Little Samuel Robertson and his mother Pamela helped launch the appeal from inside the recovery bubble the pair have been in for more than a month, and we also spoke to Gill Johnson from the foundation.
2016 - Lanchester Cricket Club Beer Festival
The Lanchester Cricket Club held its annual Beer Festival from 27th to 29th May 2016. Local charities benefit from this event. This year two charities received contributions. One charity was the Bubble Foundation. The other was Henry Dancer Days. Gill Johnston represented the Bubble Foundation at the festival. Gill praised the Cricket Club for supporting the organisation since its earliest days. From last year’s festival, £1,000 was raised for the Bubble Foundation and Gill thanked everyone for their efforts and contributions. 2016 marks the 24th anniversary of the Bubble Foundation. The charity is based in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. The Foundation raises funds for medical equipment, toys, educational aids, and the welfare of babies, children, and their families. Originally the Bubble Unit focused on treating children born with defective immune systems. It has also begun helping youngsters with leukaemia and severe forms of arthritis
https://www.lanchestervillagevoice.co.uk/Content/Issues/2016/SECURE_June2016.pdf
1: Neil Graham with Gill Johnston from the Bubble Foundation behind the pumps
2: Dancing to the Pretty Weeds band
3: Visitors making good use of the refreshment tent
15 Jun 2017 - Newcastle's Bubble Foundation celebrates 25 years of saving children's lives
For 25 years, Gill has been at the heart of Newcastle’s Bubble Foundation, helping save the lives of children born with serious immune conditions. Thanks to her dedication, countless babies who once faced almost certain death now thrive. Through funding pioneering treatments, vital equipment, and family support, Gill has given children the chance to laugh, play, and chase bubbles like any other child. Former patients and families celebrate her tireless work, recognising that behind every success is her compassion and commitment. Gill’s efforts continue to transform lives, making the Bubble Foundation not just a charity, but a lifeline for families across the UK.
March 2019 - South Shields garage owner’s boost for Bubble Foundation
Jon and Lorraine Morgan, owners of Prestige German Cars in South Shields, have helped raise £5,982 for the Bubble Foundation, the charity that supported their son James when he was critically ill as a baby.
Born with no immune system, James spent six months in hospital and received a life-saving bone marrow transplant for severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). Now 20, he continues treatment but can live life to the full.
Lorraine said: “The Bubble Foundation was there for us and remains vital for other families. Their work supports current patients and funds research to find better treatments and cures.”
Fundraising manager Gill Wheeldon added: “This generous donation will make a huge difference to our life-saving work.”
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/south-shields-garage-owners-boost-for-bubble-foundation-120170
Front, from left, Jan Lord, of the Masterserve Foundation, , Lorraine Morgan, Gill Wheeldon and staff from Prestige German Cars with a cheque for the Bubble Foundation
August 2019 The Maldives Sponsors Gala Dinner at Celtic Manor Resort’s 2019 Celebrity Cup
The Maldives sponsored a gala dinner and drinks reception at Celtic Manor Resort's Celebrity Cup in Newport, South Wales, from 13th – 14th July 2019, marking the first time a tourism brand has got involved in this prestigious golf event.
The Maldives made its debut as a sponsor at Celtic Manor Resort’s 2019 Celebrity Cup, hosting a gala dinner and charity raffle. The highlight was a five-night holiday prize from Coco Collection Resorts, won by Edinburgh-based Mark Wheeldon, who will be joined by his wife, Gill Wheeldon, founder of the Bubble Foundation. The charity supports babies born with defective immune systems at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital.
Stars including James Nesbitt, Mike Tindall, and Gethin Jones attended the event. Gill Johnston and the Bubble Foundation praised the support, which helps fund vital care, equipment, and research for children in need.
https://travmedia.com/showPRPreview/100064367
17 March 2022 – Morpeth Lions
Gill Wheeldon, representing the Bubble Foundation, accepts a £1,000 donation from Morpeth Lions to support families and children treated at the RVI Bubble Unit. The donation will help stock a freezer with ready meals for parents of children spending long periods in the RVI’s germ-free “bubble” unit, supporting families far from home and easing daily challenges during treatment. Highlighting continued community support for families and children undergoing treatment in the specialist Bubble Unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.
1: From left, Jimmy Prescott, Les Sage, Andy Mace, Ninette Edwards and Gill Wheeldon
14th August 2023 Lions Club of Jersey
We were privileged to listen to Gill Wheeldon talk at our monthly meeting about the wonderful Bubble Foundation UK which works to save the lives of children born without an immune system; truly heartwarming & inspirational.
Post can be found here
27 April 2024 – ITV News Tyne Tees
Gill Wheeldon retires after 32 years with the Bubble Foundation, credited with helping advance bone marrow transplantation support and fundraising in the North East.
ITV News reports on the retirement of long-serving Bubble Foundation fundraiser Gill Wheeldon, celebrating her 32-year contribution to advancing bone marrow transplantation, specialist care, and family support for children treated in Newcastle.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24285339.gill-wheeldon-retires-32-years-bubble-foundation/
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bubble-foundation-fundraising-head-retires-082031503.html
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The Bubble Foundation celebrates Gill Wheeldon's retirement Credit: ITV News
Gill and Anna Foster
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0j2b9wv
