A New Cumnock man has completed an extraordinary six-day endurance challenge, raising an impressive £1,160 to help support stroke patients at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Callum Laird pushed himself to the limit by taking part in the Dragon’s Back Race, one of the toughest mountain endurance events in the UK, tackling a remarkable 236 miles across Wales.
The demanding route stretches from Conwy in North Wales all the way to Cardiff in the south, with competitors facing a staggering 50,000 feet of ascent along the way.
But for Callum, the challenge was about much more than testing his physical and mental endurance.
Having seen friends receive care in the Stroke Unit at University Hospital Crosshouse, he wanted to give something back to the dedicated NHS staff who provide vital treatment and support to patients recovering from strokes.
With the encouragement and generosity of family, friends and supporters, Callum managed to raise a fantastic £1,160 for the ward.
Following his remarkable achievement, he visited the hospital to personally hand over the donation and meet members of the team who will benefit from his fundraising efforts.
Christine Somerville, Senior Charge Nurse in Ward 3E, praised Callum for his determination and generosity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Callum for taking on such an impressive challenge and choosing to support our ward. Raising £1,160 is a fantastic achievement and we would also like to thank everyone who generously supported him.
“The donation will be used to enhance the experience of patients while they are in our care, helping us make their time on the ward as comfortable and positive as possible.
“On behalf of our patients and the whole team, I would like to say a huge thank you to Callum.”
Callum said he was delighted that his fundraising efforts would make a positive difference to patients receiving treatment at Crosshouse and expressed his thanks to everyone who supported him along the way.
His achievement is a wonderful example of how one person's determination, combined with the generosity of a community, can make a meaningful difference to local NHS patients.
From the mountains of Wales to the wards of Crosshouse, Callum's incredible effort has turned a personal challenge into something that will benefit others.
A fantastic achievement and a well-deserved thank you to Callum and everyone who helped him reach his fundraising total.