Thomas will saddle up for 100-mile challenge as a thank you to unit

Schoolboy takes on charity bike ride for RAH fundraiser

A determined Paisley schoolboy is using pedal power to help support the baby unit that cared for him when he was born ten weeks premature.

Seven-year-old Thomas McCulloch is taking on a 100-mile cycle challenge to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, where he spent the first two months of his life.

Mum Mhairi- Elaine Bradley, 29, gave birth to Thomas at just 30 weeks on Christmas Eve 2013. He weighed 2lbs 11oz.

And now the St Mary’s Primary P2 pupil has set about collecting vital funds for the unit.

Proud Mhairi- Elaine told the Express that it was his idea to complete the month- long challenge.

“He knows about the unit and how the staff looked after him when he was poorly, so he wanted to do something to raise money,” she said.

“He loves cycling and being out on his bike, so we thought why not a cycling challenge.

“We decided 100 miles would be good and maybe he could raise a pound a mile, but he has already got more than £ 250 in donations.

“He has been going out on the local cycle paths with his dad Bryan.

“If the weather is good, he should smash the 100 miles.

“He has already done 22.”

The unit he is raising funds for has a special place in MhairiElaine’s heart after it gave Thomas a fighting chance at life.

She said when a growth scan revealed her baby was not growing, doctors decided an emergency C-section was best, despite it being ten weeks early.

“It will always be special for us. “It was amazing how they cared for Thomas and all the other poorly babies.

“We have tried to keep a connection with the unit, handing in biscuits and things for the staff.

“I remember when Thomas was born I couldn’t stay with him all the time but the staff said I could phone whenever I wanted.

“I’d be calling at 1am to find out how he was.

“We are so grateful for everything they did for Thomas and that’s why he wanted to help by doing this challenge.

“We are really proud of him. It’s quite funny, he was at the side of the path telling his dad to hurry up.

“But he’s really modest, he didn’t tell his teacher. When I told her, all the pupils made a good luck card for him and he got a headteacher’s award, and he was really chuffed with himself,” she added.

To donate, visit : https://bit.ly/3hmuwn1

We are so grateful for everything they did for Thomas and that’s why he wanted to help