Moray grandfather's classic truck North Coast 500 journey to raise funds for charity that helped granddaughter
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A MORAY grandfather is hitting the road this weekend to complete the North Coast 500 in a classic Scania 143 truck, raising money for The Archie Foundation’s Baird Family Hospital Appeal.
Charley Lockhart, from Grange, near Keith, was driven to raise much-needed funds for the appeal after his granddaughter Rosie was born prematurely and spent the first 46 nights of her life in the neonatal unit at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
Thanks to support from the charity, her parents Shelly and Craig were able to stay with her at the hospital.
Rosie will turn two on Monday (November 6) and Charley, is marking the special occasion with a classic take on the iconic North Coast 500 route.
“Rosie was born at just 29 weeks, weighing just over one kilogram," he said. "She was tiny and immediately needed specialist care.
"She was looked after in the Aberdeen neonatal unit for a month and a half.
"It was a tough time for the whole family, but it was made easier by the amazing staff at the hospital. They took such good care of Rosie, and of the family too.”
Charley, accompanied by his good friend Colin Roger, will be setting out from Dingwall on Saturday, November 4. He hopes to complete the iconic route the following day.
The duo will be behind the wheel of a Scania 143 as they drive more than 500 miles to complete the North Coast 500.
“When Rosie was born and needed to stay in hospital it was an extremely challenging time,” Charley added. “The family is from Keith so there were logistical problems straight away.
“Fortunately, thanks to The Archie Foundation, her mum and dad were able to stay in hospital accommodation.
"This meant they were never too far away from their precious little girl, being able to stay on site was a massive positive for them.
“They also received books to read to Rosie, who spent some time in an incubator which had been funded by The Archie Foundation.
"It’s the little things as well, like having access to The Archie Foundation’s snack corner – this type of support makes a big difference.”
Since Rosie’s birth, family and friends have joined together as Team Rosie to raise money for The Archie Foundation.
To date, their combined efforts have raised more than £16,500. They hope to top £20,000 with this latest fundraiser.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said: “I never fail to be blown away by the lengths people will go to support The Archie Foundation.
"Team Rosie has already done so much to raise vital funds for us. Charley and Colin’s North Coast 500 challenge is yet another example of the amazing people who support The Archie Foundation.
“It is now almost two years since Rosie spent time in the neonatal unit and since her parents received support from our team.
"That they still feel inspired to raise funds and awareness for us shows the depth of connection they have with The Archie Foundation and the impact the support and services we were able to provide had on their lives.”
To date, The Archie Foundation has raised in excess of £1million for the Baird Family Hospital Appeal.
According to Paula, the goal is to raise £2million to deliver the difference at the new hospital, which is currently under construction on the Foresterhill site.
"The funds will help us to provide vital finishing touches and additional specialist equipment which will take The Baird Family Hospital from being a clinically state of the art hospital to a world-class facility," she said.
“Essentially it will mean that hospital stays are more comfortable and easier for premature and sick babies and their families, including the provision of financial grants and accommodation.
"We will only achieve our £2 million target with the support of people like Team Rosie. We are truly grateful for the time and energy they are putting into raising both awareness and funds for The Archie Foundation.”
For further information on the project or how you can get involved in fundraising, please contact hello@archie.org or visit archie.org/baird-family-hospital-appeal
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.
