Dedicated staff from the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow have conquered Ben Nevis, while raising more than £4,800 for a children’s cancer charity.
Around 18 staff from across the Glasgow hospital’s neonatal unit took part in the mammoth climb, on May 19, to raise money for Calum’s Cabin, a charity that supported one of the team through the hardest of times.
Last year, Laura Cardwell’s son Fraser was diagnosed with cancer after a tumour was discovered on his kidney. Now five, Fraser has fully recovered but at the time, during so much uncertainty and worry, Calum’s Cabin provided so much support to the family.
Calum’s Cabin was set up in memory of Calum Speirs, who passed away in 2007, and provides holiday homes for children facing cancer and their families.
Laura, 39, who is a Senior Staff Nurse at the RHC, said: “Following Fraser’s diagnosis, it was actually a social worker who told us about Calum’s Cabin. Through the charity we were able to have an amazing family holiday on the Isle of Bute, which helped us take our mind off of everything and spend some quality time as a family. We were so well looked after.
“There were so many wee thoughtful touches, the family who set up the charity know what it is like and they couldn’t do enough for us.
“Fraser is doing great now, treatment has now stopped but he still has to go for check-ups every three months.
“I was so pleased to be able to give something back to Calum’s Cabin by taking part in the climb. It was really tough physically but we had a great time as a team and it was for such a good cause. Everyone was so supportive during the climb, although we all finished at different times we all completed it.”
Staff taking on the UK’s highest mountain were all from different areas of the neonatal department in Glasgow and included nurses, housekeepers, nursery nurses and clinical psychologists.
The team set out with the goal of raising £2,500 for the charity, but smashed this and the current total now sits at over £4,800.
Joan Burns, 52, who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist said: “We are all still on a high from it. It was a great experience for all of us and really great for team morale too.
“There were a few moments where things were really tough but everyone managed to make it to the top, it was a huge achievement. Work has been stressful over the last couple of years too, with the challenges brought by COVID-19, so it was great to get out as a team. It was a member of the team Sandra Lowis’ idea, she had climbed Ben Nevis before and thought it would be a great way to raise money for a charity that provided so much invaluable support to Laura and her family.”
To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/scbu-ben-nevis-hike
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