Austin’s Story | Plaster It Purple

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 25: Glasgow Warriors' Gregor Brown with Liam and Emma Hackney and their son Austin at the Glasgow Children's Hospital, on March 25, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Austin was born prematurely at 36 weeks and, while in the ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children from the family home in the Scottish Borders, was given just a 10% chance of survival due to several serious complications.

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Having shown enormous strength, he required specialist care from the dedicated teams in Glasgow who saved his life before he spent three weeks in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where the family benefited from a number of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity funded services.

Now a thriving one year old, Austin lives in a rugby mad household with mum Emma back playing for Kelso Ladies after spending years representing Melrose. The family are taking part in four kilt walks this year to raise money for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Ahead of taking centre stage at Scotstoun this weekend, Austin joined Gregor Brown at the Royal Hospital for Children where he was presented with his own Warriors jersey to wear as he presents the match ball ahead of Glasgow’s URC fixture against the Emirates Lions.

Emma Hackney, Austin’s mum said: “Austin’s very excited to be presenting the match ball. It’s a big deal for us and a massive recognition for the Charity and Austin’s story.

“There were so many things we got while we were in the Hospital that I don’t think people realise. Even just giving us a place to stay while he was in NCIU, the support the Charity provides people is indescribable.

“It’s an honour for us to be involved in Glasgow Warriors’ Plaster it Purple match and we’d encourage everyone going to the match to donate anything they can because we know first-hand just how far that money goes”

Get ready to Plaster It Purple this Saturday against the Emirates Lions at Scotstoun, supported by Leidos, as we get behind Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Click HERE to donate