NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is celebrating International Nurses Day, highlighting inspirational team members who have made a significant impact on the service.
Janice Heggie, Lead Nurse for the Neonatal Service at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, is one nurse who definitely falls into this category.
This month, Janice won Leader of the Year at the service’s Women and Children Awards and, next year, will mark 35 years of service with NHSGGC.
Before she hits that milestone – and her 60th birthday – Janice is taking on her biggest challenge yet.
In June, she will cycle almost 400 miles from London to Amsterdam across four days to raise funds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
“I wanted to set myself a challenge for my 60th birthday and when the charity announced a call for people to make this cycle, I signed up right away. For years, I’ve watched the charity giving to the hospital, and I have seen the impact that their work has on people’s lives. This is my chance to do something for them.
“I started training in October last year and I average about 100 miles per week. Cycling has become a huge part of my life now. I even cycle indoors. I have more than one bike – let’s just say that,” Janice said.
Janice will cycle with another colleague and 16 patient family members who also want to give back to the hospital and charity. The team will meet with five other children’s hospitals from across the UK too.
Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing explained that she isn’t surprised that Janice has taken on such a challenge.
“All of our nurses are inspirational in one way or another, but we find great strength in leaders like Janice. We’re so proud of the work that she gives and the care that she delivers to patients. For the past 35 years, she has dedicated her time to caring for children, often in very complicated cases.
“Janice sets a goal and works hard towards it so it isn’t a surprise that she has signed up for this journey and I can guarantee that she will be an amazing motivator to those cycling with her. A huge thanks to Janice and to all our nurses that are inspiring others,” she said.
International Nurses Day is on Sunday, 12th of May 2024.
You can donate to Janice’s cycle here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/janice-heggie-1714069981263
