Toryglen mum wants to say thank you for sons care

Apr 27 2011 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

A LOVING Toryglen mum is hoping to say “thank you” to those who cared for her son by raising money.

Anne McLean will tackle the Ignis Asset Management Women’s 10km on May 8 to raise funds for the Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

Her fundraising effort is a special tribute to the charity for its help in caring for her son, Alfie, who was born prematurely two and half years ago.

He suffered bleeds to his brain and chronic lung disease and has been receiving care ever since for hydrocephalus and hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.

Alfie’s first surgery at Yorkhill Hospital took place when he was only 10 weeks old and he continues to attend regularly for treatment.

Anne (29), who stays in Drumreoch Place, was inspired by her husband, Tony, who took part in the London Marathon last year.

He ran in aid of another charity which helped the family immediately after Alfie was born.

The foundation supports and enhances the care given to children and babies from all over Scotland who are treated at Yorkhill Hospital.

She added: “Yorkhill Children’s Foundation really does so much for children all over Scotland and we want to show our appreciation to everyone that has helped Alfie

“He attends the hospital regularly, which means that he benefits from the work of the foundation. I want to raise as much as possible.”

Anne has already been handed a great start to her efforts by her employers.

She works as a document controller with ScotRail and their parent company, FirstGroup have donated £1000.

Anne said: “The donation from FirstGroup means I’m off to a brilliant start.”

David Welch, the foundation’s head of fundraising, marketing and communications, said: “We are committed to funding projects and service enhancements to help ensure that Yorkhill Hospital is equipped with the best possible tools to save and improve the lives of children like Alfie.”

He added: “The support of fundraisers like Anne is vital and we are grateful to her and to FirstGroup for supporting us in our 10th anniversary year.”

Avril Gill, FirstGroup’s marketing manager, Group Brand, said: “The support offered by the staff at Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is vitally important to so many families across the country.

“We are often on the look out for opportunities to help worthy organisations like this one and are delighted to help.”