A SEVEN year-old led nearly 2,000 people around Glasgow in a sponsored walk raising funds for the Glasgow Children’s charity on Scotland’s first national public art trail.
Harley Davis, from Cambuslang, Glasgow south, was a patient at the hospital as he led the march around Glasgow as part of Oor Wullie’s Big Walk followed by 1,800 fundraisers.
The youngster signed up for the event alongside his family with the aim of pushing himself in his wheelchair for the duration of the walk’s 3k route on Saturday.
Harley was was supported by his mum Steffanie Davis, dad Marc Ollenrenshaw and younger brother Harrison as they were followed by family, friends, hospital staff, supporters and volunteers.
Walkers have the option of two routes of 3k or 10k allowing them to spot sculptures from Scotland’s first national public art trail, Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail, which is raising funds for children in hospital across the country this summer.
Harley, cared for over the years at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children, was born with a number of complex medical conditions ranging from an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and trachea.
A condition that means the upper part of the oesophagus doesn’t connect to the lower part and stomach; and caudal regression system, which impairs the development of the lower half of the body.
His mum, Steffanie, said: “Harley is such a determined wee boy. He has gone through around a dozen surgeries in his short life and – along with the rest of the family – just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the staff who care for him and the charity who help to brighten up his days while in hospital.
“They’ve given him a real confidence and determination – he doesn’t let anything stand in his way, which is why he was so determined to join the Sponsored Walk today. He goes to disability gymnastics and always wants to be involved in anything going on around him – and today was no exception.”
Kirsten Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was wonderful to have Harley and his family leading out Oor Wullie’s BIG Walk – our biggest ever sponsored walk with more than 1,800 supporters signed up to take part.”
