A talented young Scottish gymnast has been selected to compete at the Commonwealth Games following a journey made possible by her hard work, determination, and support of teams at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow.
Ava MacFarlane (18) from Neilston, who represents Scotland, has overcome significant health challenges over the past few years after being diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, causing inflammation and damage.
Common symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss, often occurring in waves known as “flares”.
Understandably, the conditions at times left Ava unable to train and uncertain about her future in sport.
Ava first noticed something was wrong towards the end of 2022 when her energy levels dropped dramatically during gymnastics training.
“I couldn’t get through my routines and had to cut back my training to just bars and beam,” she said.
“At first, I thought it might be something simple like iron levels, but the treatment didn’t help.”
Her symptoms worsened in early 2023, including severe pain and bleeding, leading to a referral to the specialist gastroenterology team at the Royal Hospital for Children. Following investigations, Ava was diagnosed with IBD.
Ava’s condition proved difficult to manage initially, requiring multiple treatments and hospital admissions.
“I went through different medications, steroids and time in hospital, and nothing seemed to work for a long time,” she said. “I still tried to go to training, but most of the time I would just sit and watch because I had no energy and my body was sore. I really didn’t think I would get back.”
Specialist teams at the RHC worked closely with Ava and her family to find the right treatment plan, which now includes regular infusions alongside daily medication. Throughout this time, Ava also received wider support to help her manage the physical and emotional impact of living with a long-term condition.
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service at the Royal Hospital for Children cares for around 450 children and young people from across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, covering the West Coast of Scotland as far down as Dumfries and Galloway and up to the Western Isles.
The multidisciplinary team provides expert diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support, including psychological care to help young patients manage the wider impacts of their condition.
“Our role is not only to provide the treatment children and young people need, but also to support them in learning how to manage their condition and live full lives. IBD can be challenging both physically and mentally, and we ensure our patients are supported every step of the way.
“We are seeing increasing awareness and earlier referrals, which helps us diagnose and begin treatment sooner. Ava’s journey is a wonderful example of the resilience of our patients and what can be achieved with the right care and support,” said Lee Curtis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse at the RHC.
After almost two years away from full training, Ava gradually returned to gymnastics towards the end of 2024. Supported by her coaches, the Institute of Sport, and her clinical team, she rebuilt her strength and confidence, culminating in her selection for the Commonwealth Games.
“If you had told me at the start of my illness that I would be going to the Commonwealth Games, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Ava added. “It’s been a tough few years, but I’m so proud to have made it through. I’m excited and nervous, but I know it’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Ava will compete across all four apparatus, beam, vault, bars and floor, representing Scotland on an international stage.
She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire other young people living with IBD or other health conditions.
“When I was first diagnosed, we were trying to find positive stories about people living with IBD,” she said.
“I hope I can now be that person for someone else, to show that even when things are really difficult, you can still come through it.”
The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow is one of Scotland’s leading centres for paediatric care, providing specialist services to children and young people across the west of Scotland and beyond. Its IBD service plays a vital role in helping patients manage complex, long-term conditions.
