Eleven year old climbs Scottish mountain for hospital charity
An eleven year old boy from Norfolk is putting on his hiking boots to raise money for the Eye Clinic and Buxton ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
Jake Mermagen, along with his brother Sam, sister Ella and Mum and Dad are all climbing a Munro in Scotland called Beinn Ghlas (3619ft) in May to raise money for the hospital charity.
Jake explains why he is supporting the hospital: “When I was 4 years old I stabbed my eye with a fork by accident and the nurses on the Buxton (childrens) ward kept me comfortable and amused and put drops in my eye every half an hour, 24 hours a day (at night as well) for 2 weeks. The doctors at the Eye Clinic saved me from losing my eye by operating on it five times over two years. If they hadn't helped me I would have a glass eye.”
Teresa, Jake’s mum, said: “We are so grateful to the staff for all they did that we wanted to do something to help others.”
Louise Cook, fundraising manager at NNUH, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jake and his family have decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise money for our Eye Clinic and Buxton ward.
“The Munros are the highest of Scotland's mountains so we wish Jake and his family the best of luck in climbing the 3619ft to the top of Beinn Ghlas. Jake is only eleven so it is brilliant that he cares and wants to do something to make a difference.”
Louise Cook added: “We are so grateful that people support Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund. Whilst the NHS provides the necessities, the charity funds projects that make the hospital experience a better one for our patients, visitors and staff. We are always looking for people to get involved in fundraising like Jake, so please contact us if you would like to help.”
For further information about NNUH and to find out how to support the charity, please call 01603 287107 or visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk
To sponsor Jake please go to http://www.justgiving.com/Teresa-Mermagen