Alford family up for the challenge!
FOUR generations of an Alford family are getting together to raise money to help Aberdeen Royal Infirmary purchase a 'shockwave therapy' machine.
The Macdonald family will cycle, walk and ride the 80 miles along the Deeside Railway Line from Aberdeen to Ballater and around Glen Muick next month to raise money.
They are embarking on the ambitious challenge as the family's great-grandmother Marian Macdonald has experienced the benefits of the new shockwave machine in treating a venous leg ulcer.
Marian will turn 80 the day before the family take on the challenge on Sunday, July 11.
Marian's daughter Sheila McGuigan said: "My mother has been suffering for over seven years with a venous leg ulcer which has not responded to conventional treatment. In March this year, she began a trial using a new shockwave machine and the results have been remarkable which means that her quality of life has improved enormously. After just two sessions my mum's wound had reduced by 25% and her dose of painkillers had reduced by 50%, making her much more alert and giving her more of an appetite.
"The machine has been on loan by the manufacturers and the Vascular Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are keen to purchase a machine but the cost of 40,000 is a stumbling block. NHS Grampian simply does not have sufficient resources available and that's why we want to help."
Sheila said around 24 members of the family, ranging in ages from five to 84 and from as far afield as the Borders, will be taking part in the gruelling journey.
She added: "We won't all be doing the 80 miles. Some of us may just do 20 or 30. My mother is going to come along and complete a section on her mobility scooter. Some of the great-grandchildren are quite young but they want to do their bit and might do a few miles.
"We don't have a specific fundraising target but we have seen first-hand what a difference this machine can make so we hope to raise as much money as we can."
For details on how to sponsor the Macdonald family phone Sheila McGuigan on (019755) 62743 or 07775 250131.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Banchory
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
