Paul King from Dingwall has completed an epic 500-mile fundraising challenge around the north coast in memory of his baby.
A bereaved dad from Easter Ross has completed an epic 500-mile fundraising challenge around the north coast in memory of his baby.
Why Paul Took On the Challenge
Paul King from Dingwall decided to raise money for Abigail's Footsteps following the devastating loss of baby King earlier this year. He and wife Kimberley were able to spend precious time with their baby thanks to an Abi Cooling Cot®.
When we lost our baby on 17th January, we saw the plaque on the Abi Cooling Cot saying that it had been donated in memory of a baby. This broke my heart and after finding out Raigmore only had one Abi Cooling Cot and The Highlands being the biggest area in Britain, we thought it would be good for them to have another.
Paul said:
The family started fundraising and Paul decided to take on the North Coast 500 which is dubbed Scotland's ultimate road trip.
Seven Days on Foot and by Bike
He took just seven days to walk and cycle the full distance, adding:
Every mile I completed is dedicated to helping ensure that families experiencing the loss of a baby receive the care, dignity and support they deserve.
About the Abi Cooling Cot
Abigail’s Footsteps has been working since 2010 to improve the bereavement care received by parents following the loss of a baby.
The Abi Cooling Cot, developed by the charity in partnership with medical professionals and families who have experienced baby loss, allows bereaved parents precious additional time with their baby enabling them to create memories, say goodbye, and begin the grieving process in a more supported way.
A Second Cot for Raigmore
The £3,490 raised by Paul and Kimberley will be used to provide a second Abi Cooling Cot at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. Paul said:
I am humbled by everyone who has helped support my family since the 17th of January which was the worst day of our lives. I am glad something good will come out of something so life shattering.
Isla Barton, Director of Midwifery at NHS Highland, said:
We are incredibly grateful to Paul and Kimberley for this very generous donation, and for thinking of other families at what has been such a difficult time for them.
Having a second Abi Cooling Cot at Raigmore Hospital will help us give more parents precious time with their baby. We would like to thank Paul, Kimberley and everyone who supported the fundraising for this very special gift.
More information about Abigail’s Footsteps can be found on the charity's website.
