One inspirational fundraiser has aptly named this month ‘Super September’ as he takes on three running events to raise funds for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Across Scotland), with each challenge less than one week apart.
Douglas Simpson set his sights on taking part in the iconic Great North Run in Newcastle and was delighted when he was successful in the ballot to gain a place. As a seasoned runner, he then decided to up the ante by taking on an additional two mammoth challenges – the Snowdonia Skyline in the Welsh mountains followed by the Ben Nevis Ultra in the Scottish mountains, and so far he has raised over a whopping £1,000.
This was all done to raise vital funds for the national children’s hospice service, which supports families who have a child with a life-shortening condition. CHAS is on a mission to reach every family in Scotland who need their support but the hard truth is that right now, they are only reaching one in every three.
Douglas said:
“I have visited Rachel House and seen first-hand the impact the staff and the organisation as a whole have on the families and children living with rare and life-shortening conditions. It is a truly moving experience and a place that brings great support and very much joy to all the families. It is a place to celebrate life as well as assist with the emotional loss of a loved one so young. It is a place where good people, do good things. We can all do good things for others.”
Rachael McDonald, Challenge Events Assistant at CHAS, said:
“It’s amazing to see Douglas really push himself to the limits by taking on this trio of challenges. Douglas should be so proud not only of the physical achievement but also proud that his efforts will truly help CHAS in our mission to reach every family in Scotland who face the unthinkable reality that their child will die before them. Thank you so much Douglas – you’re incredible!”
In Scotland, nearly 16,000 children and young people live with life-shortening conditions and CHAS is determined to reach every family who needs its services. CHAS works across Scotland, able to provides its hospice services nation-wide for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. CHAS offers palliative, respite and end-of-life care from Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
The CHAS at Home service supports families with the services of a hospice yet in their own homes across the whole of Scotland. Through its Diana Children’s Nurses working in hospitals across the country, they can support families and clinical teams.
If you would like to make a donation to Douglas, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/superseptemberCHAS. Or if Douglas has inspired you to take on a challenge for yourself please visit www.chas.org.uk or email TeamCHAS@chas.org.uk for more information on our upcoming events.