RELATIVES of brave young boy living with spina bifida are taking on a daring stunt to raise cash for a good cause.
Alana Heaton, 35, is set to zipslide across the Clyde in support of her three-year-old nephew and godson Jack, who has the severest form of the spinal condition.
She is taking the leap of faith alongside Jack’s nana Liz, and uncle and aunty Michael and Suzanne, in aid of specialist charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland).
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Alana and family will join hundreds of thrill seeking participants this September to take on the ‘Zipslide the Clyde’ challenge, launching off from a 100ft high crane, next to the Glasgow Riverside Museum.
They’ll then glide down an extended 1000ft long route along the Clyde and ending at the Tall Ship.
Alana was inspired to take on the challenge to give something back to the charity who have supported her brother Chris and his wife Nicola, from Greenock, since finding out at their 20-week scan that baby Jack would be born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
She said: “From the moment Chris and Nicola were given Jack’s diagnosis, SBH Scotland have been there every step of the way. When Jack was born, the charity provided constant reassurance and support and continue to do so today.
“Jack is now three years old and the happiest wee boy. He absolutely lights up a room and just takes everything in his stride. Thanks to SBH Scotland, Jack was one of the first youngsters to have an advanced new NHS wheelchair which he immediately mastered, and he loves scooting about in it.
“Four of us from the family have signed up to take on the ‘Zipslide the Clyde’ challenge and we’re encouraging other people to join us, so we can raise as much money as possible for SBH Scotland to make sure they can continue to provide their life-changing services.”
Deborah Roe, Director of Fundraising, for SBH Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of our ‘Zipslide the Clyde’ challenge in September and as our only zipslide challenge taking place in Scotland this year, we’re calling on our supporters to make this our biggest challenge yet.
“We’re very grateful to Alana and the Heaton family for getting involved in our Zipslide the Clyde challenge.
“We’ve supported Chris and Nicola since they found out about Jack’s diagnosis, and it’s been wonderful to see Jack’s progress over the last few years.
“I hope their story encourages others to get involved and come along for a fantastic day out on the Clyde, all in aid of SBH Scotland.
“Our annual zipslide challenge is not just a highly anticipated event in our calendar each year but is also a hugely important fundraising activity, which we heavily rely on to reach our annual targets.
“With a goal of raising over £1.5 million this year, these funds will make a big impact on the services we can offer including 1-2-1 support in homes and hospitals, health check clinics and support groups to those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Scotland.”
To support Alana and the other Zipsliders please visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/sbhscotlandglasgowzipslide2023.
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