A DUNOON mother braved the icy waters of Loch Eck, without a wetsuit last week to raise vital funds for a Glasgow hospital, which treated her own son.
Steph Wilson, (38), embarked on a sponsored swim on Sunday, January 4 and raised £1,420 for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to show her appreciation for the care they’ve provided for her son Rory.
Born with cranial synostosis, a condition that affects babies, where one or more of the joints (called sutures) between the bones of the skull close too early, Rory has been receiving treatment at the Glasgow hospital for some time.
Steph plans to give all funds raised directly to the medical team who deal with cranial synostosis so it will benefit the patient group and their families.
She explained: “Mr Sangra and his team of surgeons, Lorraine, Mel and Laura have changed Rory’s life. He will now have a normal shaped head and won’t look any different to his friends as he grows up. Due to their expertise they were able to offer Rory a much less invasive operation. As parents this really helped as it involved less risk and a quicker recovery. They gave him the best care and they continue to support him today with helmet therapy and monitor his progress.”
Steph, a local physiotherapist organised her sponsored swim of Loch Eck after taking inspiration from a member of staff at the hospital who told her about a similar charity event he took part in.
Steph said: “The orthotist who is called Mel, who we regularly attend at the children’s hospital, was telling me about when he cycled from Lands End to John O’ Groats for the hospital charity. I didn’t want to do that but wanted to do something to show my appreciation.
“I felt winter was more of a challenge and once I passed £1000 I knew I had to do it without a wetsuit. I was hoping it was going to be a bit milder when I set the date back in September. The water was three degrees and there was ice on the beach but it felt amazing to be able to rise to the challenge and do something for the hospital that helped my son and helps so many other children.”
She added: “The local community have been incredibly supportive. I have been overwhelmed by the money raised. Friends and family have also been extremely generous. There were lots of spectators on the day despite the cold weather and a huge thank you to Stewart, Gosia, Heather, Helen and Mairi who joined me in the water. and Andrew for providing tea and coffee.”
Steph currently has no plans for any future swims or fundraising challenges as she’s preparing to return to work after maternity leave, but hasn’t ruled out any future endeavours.
She said: “We all agreed we would do it again once we got out of the water. I’m sure I will come up with something for the
coming year “
