Thurso Super Woman takes on Dunrobin Castle
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A THURSO mum is preparing for a charity abseil from the heights of a "fairytale castle" in aid of local sick kids after her own daughter’s difficult start in life.
Susan Andrew will drop down Dunrobin Castle this month in aid of the Archie Foundation.
The 35-year-old primary school teacher from Thurso is one of many raising vital funds for the official charity of the Highland Children’s Unit (HCU) on Saturday, May 25.
It was the care given at the facility to her daughter Lois that inspired Susan to take the plunge for Archie.
Three-year-old Lois was born five weeks early weighing just 4 lb 3oz and spent the first part of her life in Raigmore’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), where she developed oxygen problems.
The tot was then flown by air ambulance to Glasgow children’s hospital with doctors telling Susan and her husband Stuart that they feared the worst.
They dubbed Lois "the miracle girl" after overcoming the odds stacked against her.
Now a toddler, Lois still faces some difficulties with regular check-ups with doctors at the HCU.
Susan said: “When she first came home, Lois was very small and struggled to put weight on. It’s still an issue she has today and she faces difficulties maintaining weight whenever she has a bug as she just won’t eat.
“Mentally, she is very well and very strong-willed but she is very thin and is still in clothing aged for two-year-olds and weighs just 22 lb.”
Susan said Archie’s presence in Raigmore was felt immediately and she praised the child-friendly environment the charity has created.
The charity looks to provide age-appropriate environments for young patients to ease their anxiety when in hospital. Archie can also provide much-needed extras such as emergency grants for families, advanced training courses for paediatricians and specialist staff.
Susan said: “The presence of Archie is felt every day as you walk in the front door.
“I was amazed by the garden at the ward and seeing other children there benefiting from it. Even as a parent, you noticed the benefits with the toys and bright colours of the ward – it made a difference.
“Since Lois’s time in hospital I’ve always wanted to give back to the hospitals who have helped her.”
Having previous charity abseiling experience, Susan jumped at the chance to take on Dunrobin Castle – which her family affectionately call the “fairytale castle” when they drive by it.
Archie is encouraging participants to don fancy dress and Susan has hinted at a Super Woman costume she has in her wardrobe.
So far, Susan has raised more than £400 for the children’s charity and has been touched by the level of support she has received.
She said: “I’ve had lots of encouragement from friends and family who have pledged support.
“I don’t have a target in mind but I’d be really happy if I can get over £500. I am really grateful for the messages and donations already received.”
On the day, she will be cheered on by husband Stuart, Lois and her son Ethan.
To donate to Susan’s fundraising efforts, visit https://archieabseilhighland.everydayhero.com/uk/susan.
Anyone wishing to take part in the charity abseil should register at: everydayhero.co.uk/event/archieabseilhighland for just £10.
