Monday 8 February 2010
Glasgow man Tony McLean is to run the London Marathon in aid of Bliss – the special care baby charity.
His fundraising is a special tribute to the charity after his fiancé received help from Bliss when – on a break in London - their son Alfie was born three months’ prematurely.
Alfie suffered bleeds to his brain and chronic lung disease, and nursing staff at St Thomas’ Hospital recommended Bliss to help his parents through the traumatic experience.
Tony, a 24-year-old HR administrator with train operator ScotRail, will run the marathon on Sunday 25 April.
His fundraising has already been boosted by a £2,000 donation from Aberdeen-based FirstGroup, parent company of ScotRail.
Tony, of Drumreoch Place, Toryglen, said: “Bliss was brilliant. They gave us advice and arranged accommodation in London as well as funding life saving equipment to help Alfie.”
He added: “Thanks to its help, we have a happy, healthy baby boy now 15-months-old. That’s why I’m running the marathon. I hope to raise £2,500, and the donation from FirstGroup means I’m almost there.”
Bliss provides vital support and care to premature babies as well as guidance and support to their families across the UK.
It also funds ground-breaking research into the best possible care for babies regardless of when and where they are born.
Hannah Patterson, the charity’s events officer at Bliss, was delighted that Tony has almost hit his target months before he even leaves the start line in London.
She said: “The donation from FirstGroup is very generous. It is only with the fantastic support of fundraisers like Tony that Bliss is able to ensure that more of our most vulnerable babies have the best possible start in life.”
Avril Gill, FirstGroup‘s marketing manager, Group Brand, said: “The support offered by the staff and volunteers at Bliss is vitally important to so many families across the UK.
“We are often on the look out for opportunities to help worthy organisations like this one and are delighted to help.”
Media enquiries
Carla Rinaldi, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com
Notes to Editors
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Tony can do so online at www.justgiving.com/anthonymclean
