This month, I will be taking on one of my biggest challenges ever with the Badwater 135. An iconic ultra-event –arguably the ‘world’s toughest’ - which runs through Death Valley in California, USA. The hottest place on earth, in summer, where temperatures routinely exceed 50 degrees.  I now have the added motivation to raise money for the Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital Charity.

Last month I had a panic phone call from our climbing-enthusiast son, Cairn, who had taken an adventure detour on his way home from school. I completely underestimated what lay ahead when I arrived at the scene, along with all the emergency services. In short, he decided
to climb some old pipes over the railway line near Scotstoun station and his foot hit something live. The electrical flash burned 10% of his body, mostly his right leg. Thankfully most of the burns were superficial and he is healing nicely, but he required three skin grafts. Although he will make a full recovery, treatment will continue for the next two years.

We know he is the luckiest boy alive! And we are humbled, grateful and eternally thankful for the care and support Cairn has and will receive. From the 20 strong trauma team that were waiting for his arrival at A&E, the burns' specialists and the range of expertise provided, the Glasgow Children’s Hospital is an amazing facility. God bless the NHS.