The mum of a tiny Wishaw neonatal warrior has spoken of her pride after his nine-year-old brother took on a tuff challenge to raise money for a charity that helps families remain close to their children while they’re in hospital.
Tanmmy Johnstone-Little has been at the forefront of a campaign to prevent the downgrade of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at University Hospital Wishaw.
Her three-year-old son Kai was transferred to the Lanarkshire hospital for care after being born 16 weeks early, and weighing just 750g.
In recognition of the care Kai received as he battled for life, his older brother – nine-year-old Keir – decided he would raise money for the services that supported his sibling and the family.
The youngster from Lesmahagow, who attends Woodpark Primary, completed the gruelling 3km MacTuff Really Muddy challenge at Knockhill in Fife, raising £1,573 for Crossbasket House (formerly Ronald McDonald House) in Glasgow.
Organisers describe the event as “definitely not a walk in the park” and “very muddy and very very wet”.
Keir is used to rolling his sleeves up and tackling challenges that come his way, as he plays for Lesmahagow Community FC 2015’s football team and was one of the clansmen in this year’s Lesmahagow Highland Games.
The centre is in the grounds of the Glasgow Hospital for Children and provides a home from home for families while youngsters are receiving treatment as an in-patient.
Keir’s mum Tammy and dad Gary, also took part as under-12s need to be accompanied as they take on the difficult obstacle course which included long dark tunnels and whole a lot of mud.
“Kai was born in November and we spent Christmas and New Year there as a family, and they were really good to Keir. He just wanted to give something back and Keir thought about the kids that would be there this Christmas.
“We can never thank them enough for all the fantastic help, support, and the accommodation they provided in our time of distress and uncertainty.
“We drop into the hospital with cakes and stuff for the staff. We’re never away from the Wishaw hospital either, as Kai’s under both for appointments. Anytime we’re in for appointments, we try to pop in and say hello.
“He wanted to do something himself so we bought tickets to compete in this event. We were wading through mud that was up to his waist, he had to crawl through man-made tunnels, nets, climb up ropes. He was even tackled by a row of American Football players. It’s a serious hardcore course.
“We’re never away from the Wishaw hospital either, as Kai’s under both for appointments. Anytime we’re in for appointments, we try to pop in and say hello.
Keir personally presented the cheque to Crossbasket House where he placed a blossom shaped plaque, containing words of encouragement for others, on the giving tree – which recognises those who raise significant sums for the charity.
Keir received great support in his fundraising from family, friends, the wider community, and local businesses including; Rollo’s Fish & Chips, Route 74 Truckstop, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar, Tesco, The Tattie Man, Premier Atwals Stores, iBeauty, Scotmid (staff), Bars For Bears F.C, Bars for Bears Family, and Linda’s Lucky Charity Raffle.
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