Margo is lapping up charity cash
A charity champion from Strathblane, who was born with spina bifida, has completed 26km in her wheelchair to raise vital funds.
Dr Margo Whiteford CBE set out to do 1000 laps of her garden to help raise money for specialist charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland), an organisation which she has chaired for over 20 years.
The 60-year-old retired medic has helped raise more than £2million for charity during her life.
She was diagnosed with the complex condition at birth but, despite being paralysed from the waist down, Margo has taken on some of the toughest sporting challenges in the country.
In 2009 she crossed the finish line at The London Marathon which she completed with honorary SBH Scotland patron, Gordon Ramsay, on her 50th birthday.
Margo’s latest charitable pursuit has been inspired by the 2.6 Challenge, launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of thousands of fundraising events across the country.
The impact on the charity sector has been devastating and SBH Scotland is expected to lose as much as £400,000 in fundraising by the end of the year.
The 2.6 Charity Challenge aims to help organisations affected by the coronavirus pandemic and encourages people to complete activities around the number 26. The initiative has received the backing of a number of high-profile stars including Dame Kelly Homes who is attempting 26 exercises on a trampoline without stopping.
Dr Margo Whiteford said: “The outbreak of coronavirus is having a devastating impact on the charitable sector. Without the support from fundraising events, many organisations will struggle to continue providing the services which so many rely on to live.
“With a small team, SBH Scotland manage to deliver lifechanging services to thousands of children and their families. To help them keep up this work, fundraising is absolutely essential.
“When I heard about the 2.6 Challenge I knew I had to get involved in some way. It is 11 years since I first completed the London Marathon and, while I couldn’t get out to complete another marathon at the moment, I found a way to re-create the race to the best of my abilities at home. It took just over 6 hours to complete, but I did it.”
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland, said: “Margo continues to astound us with her strength, positive spirit and generosity. Her story is truly inspirational, not only as a fundraiser but as a role model to all those affected by disabilities.
“Completing 26km in a wheelchair is no mean feat, but even when she gets tired we know she will keep going with a smile on her face.”
To donate to Margo’s cause, visit > www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ margo-s-2-6-challenge.
For more information on SBH Scotland and to keep up to date on other fundraising opportunities taking place across Scotland, visit www. sbhscotland.org.uk/support-why
Margo Whiteford CBE has raised millions for charity over the years