Callum's mum Sam and retained firefighter dad Ricky from Okehampton will be walking from Bristol Children's Hospital to Okehampton Fire Station (roughly 110 miles) wearing BA (Breathing apparatus) over the course of three days to raise money for three very important charities close to their hearts. They will be joined by Callum’s Grandad Kev who is a retained firefighter with Ricky at North Tawton and close friends Tim, retained fire fighter of Okehampton and Dan, retained fire fighter of Axminster. They will be using 9 other fire station’s as their check points to re-fuel on their way before finishing at Okehampton fire station.
Their 9 year old, football fanatic son Callum, underwent months of tests in Bristol from the age of 8, after having numerous symptoms including chest pains which then led to him not being able to participate in any form of exercise for months. He was later diagnosed in July 2023 with a very rare heart condition “anomalous intramural right coronary artery” and was booked in for open heart surgery early August 23 to repair the course of his right coronary artery to his heart.
Callum’s operation was a success and has since been able to re-join his football team and enjoying life to the full again. Without his operation, Callum would not have been able to play any sport as he was at risk of cardiac arrest.
Callum’s family have chosen three amazing charities to raise money for. The Grand Appeal – which is the charity that helps fund life saving equipment to Bristol’s Children's hospital which allows them to cope with helping as many children, like Callum to receive the care and treatment they need. Ronald McDonald – is a charity which have 14 houses across the UK that give families a ‘home from home’ whilst their children are receiving treatment in hospital. Callum spent 7 days in Bristol’s Children’s Hospital recovering from his 7 hour operation. Due to the distance from the hospital and their home, they were given a room, washing facilities and care packages from Ronald McDonald so they were both able to stay with him whilst he recovered. The Fire Fighters Charity – Who support the families of fire service personnel across the UK, from financial aid to rehabilitation. With driving to and from appointments, having time off work and the cost that came with Callum in hospital as well as being off school for a long period of time, the charity supported the family with financial aid to help relieve some pressure whilst going through the worst time of their lives.
Please see the route they will be taking on their challenge.
All money raised will be split between the three charities that have given their son a new lease on life.
