Inspirational Sheffield teenager honoured during unforgettable Scotland visit
In the last 12 months, Aroob has helped raise more than £100,000 for children’s causes in memory of her little brother
A Sheffield teenager who has inspired communities across the country through her courage and charity work has returned home after an unforgettable visit to Scotland.
Aroob Haroon, 15, who lives with an ultra-rare genetic condition and uses a wheelchair, was welcomed with warmth and kindness during a memorable few days which included meeting Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, most of the Scotland national football squad, and her hero, Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
Aroob’s family said the visit was especially meaningful because she was honoured not only for her bravery in facing her own complex medical journey, but also for the work she continues to do for other children.
In the last 12 months, Aroob has helped raise more than £100,000 for children’s causes in memory of her little brother, Ayaan, who remains at the heart of everything she does.
During the visit, Aroob was welcomed to the Scottish Parliament, where she met Mr Swinney who showed Aroob warmth, kindness and genuine interest, taking time to listen to her story, her advocacy and her hopes for disabled children and children in hospital.
The meeting was especially meaningful because the First Minister spoke about the importance of accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for children with disabilities, said the family. Aroob came away feeling proud, inspired and encouraged to continue using her voice to help others.
One of Aroob’s biggest dream moments was meeting most of the Scotland squad at their training ground, including her hero, Scotland captain and outgoing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, who she was honoured to meet for the second time.
Aroob was warmly welcomed by the Scotland team before watching them at Hampden Park, where Scotland went on to win 4-1 against Curaçao.
Her Scotland trip also included a special tour of Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium and a visit to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she shared her story and her dream of seeing her Moon and Stars campaign expand to Scotland. She will support the Hospital as an Ambassador.
The Moon and Stars campaign aims to bring hope, kindness, inclusion and a sense of belonging to children and families in hospital during Ramadan.
Aroob was also taken on a tour of the hospital, including the wards, and came away inspired by the care, facilities and special spaces created for children and families.
Her father, Haroon Rashid, said: “This visit meant the world to Aroob. Scotland welcomed her with such warmth, kindness and respect.
“The First Minister was wonderful with Aroob. He showed real warmth, compassion, kindness and humanity, and it meant so much to see her treated with such dignity and respect.
“To meet the First Minister, to meet most of the Scotland squad, to see her hero Andy Robertson again, and to visit the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has given Aroob memories she will treasure forever.
“Aroob has faced so much in her young life, but she continues to think about other children. Whether it is sharing her story, raising vital funds, or dreaming of expanding her Moon and Stars campaign across the country, she wants children in hospital to feel seen, included and loved.
“She is proudly putting Sheffield back on the map and inspiring communities across the country, showing that a little girl in a wheelchair can make a real difference.”
Aroob’s family said the Scotland visit has left her more determined than ever to continue her work around disability inclusion, hospital experiences, faith, belonging and creating moments of joy for children living with serious health conditions.
For Aroob, the trip was more than a series of special visits. It was a reminder that children with disabilities deserve to be seen, celebrated and included and that one young girl from Sheffield can inspire change far beyond her own city.
