Family of Reis Sneddon fundraise for Yorkhill

However, their story turned out far happier than that and, on Saturday, celebrated this by organising a mass march of thanksgiving from their home village to Strathclyde Park, 15 miles distant.

Not one of the estimated 70 people taking part moaned about sore feet, knowing that every step they took raised more money for Yorkhill Sick Kids Hospital, a place very, very close indeed to the Sneddon family’s heart.

That is where 11-year-old Reis Sneddon received the vital treatment for a once-chronic heart condition that threatened to kill him.

He still has to attend Yorkhill as an outpatient on a regular basis but dad Paul and mum Lynn haven’t forgotten the close call nor the hard work of doctors and nurses who saw Reis through the crisis with him now fast becoming a healthy teenager.

In fact, Reis is now so hale and hearty, he took part in Saturday’s walk himself, making it the whole 15 mile distance.

Said proud dad Paul: “He and a pal took part and made it to Strathclyde Park no bother although some of the older ones taking part struggled a bit. In fact, on Saturday night, Reis was out playing with his pals. I wish I had energy like that.”

He happily reports that, despite some sore feet, all 70 participants made it from the village to the park.

So grateful was Paul and the family for Reis’s treatment at Yorkhill, he has already raised £15,000 towards the hospital’s funds through sponsored golf and cycle days.

This third and latest fund-raiser could well raise a further £5000, bringing the grand total donated to Yorkhill to £20,000.

A final total raised will be announced soon.