Fundraising fight continues to buy hospital help
Despite the global pandemic, friends have continued fundraising for a Cleland woman to pay for an operation that will help her digest food.
Clare McCulloch was diagnosed with diabeti gastroparesis in 2018. The condition has left her unable to eat many solid foods and she relies mainly on protein drinks for nourishment.
Clare was left disappointed that she has been refused the op through the NHS which costs in the region of £18,000 if carried out privately.
And friends are now well on the way to helping her thanks to a number of fundraising initiatives.
Clare’s friend Wendy Keane, from Wishaw, said:“We wanted to raise £20,000 for Clare because as well as the operation it will also cost her to stay at the private hospital.
“It’s incredible that we are halfway there. It has been a long road and we have had to cancel a few events due to coronavirus.
“Our JustGiving page is standing at just under £11,000. Clare has been shielding throughout the pandemic but she has been overwhelmed by the response.”
Diabeti gastroparesis prevents the stomach from emptying in the normal way.
It’s thought to be the result of damage to nerves which prevent the stomach muscles from working properly, slowing down the movement of food through it.
Despite being repeatedly admitted to hospital as an in-patient Clare was turned down for an NHS operation to have a gastro pacemaker fitted.
Among the fundraising initiatives include a charity climb up Tinto Hill and several online auctions.
Wendy added:“Clare’s daughter Nadia and her friends raised around £2,000 from the Tinto Hill climb which was brilliant.
“We had a race night and bingo night cancelled but we are holding an online bingo night. Over the past few months we’ve also had numerous raffles and we run a twice monthly bonus ball which has been bringing in money.
“We also had Carla Stewart who helped us with a prize of various scentsy candles and she donated her commission.”
If you would like to help Clare you can donate at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ wendy-keane-2