A MENSTRIE father whose son is undergoing cancer treatment is hosting a fundraising walk to support other children in hospital this week.
The Helix Park and the Kelpies in Falkirk will serve as the backdrop for the 1.6-mile walk at lunchtime on Thursday, September 8, in support of Zak Stark’s son Daniel.
The kind-hearted Menstrie boy featured in the Advertiser earlier in May when he brought a little joy to fellow patients after receiving a generous gift from his dad’s colleagues.
Tomorrow, the Starks will be raising funds for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children’s Schiehallion Ward – 2A in Glasgow where the young man has been receiving fantastic care and excellent treatment since his lymphoma diagnosis in April last year.
Zak, who works as Forth Valley College’s head of commercial and training, hopes the fundraiser will also serve as an opportunity to improve health and wellbeing for students and fellow staff and is inviting everyone to complete a loop at The Helix between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on the day.
Students at Alloa and Stirling also also being encouraged to walk around their campuses if they are unable to make it to the event.
Zak said: “We are so grateful for the messages of support and kindness from colleagues across Forth Valley College.
“The apprenticeships, skills and commercial team very generously raised money when Daniel was diagnosed, allowing a donation to be made to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“This is being used to provide additional activities to support teenagers undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment.
“When colleagues across the college decided to organise this event we were so touched. Daniel is due to undergo what we are hoping is his final week of chemotherapy next week and again is blown away by this kind gesture.”
Money raised will be put towards additional toys and games for children being treated at the ward.
Zak added: “We are all so lucky to have fantastic walks close by all our campuses and I’m sure everyone participating will enjoy the opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air and cracking scenery.
“I am so lucky to work with such an excellent bunch of people, who always go above and beyond to support each other, students and external partners.
“Words can’t express how grateful we are of the support everyone at Forth Valley College has provided throughout Daniel’s treatment.”
A fundraising page has been set up for the walk, where £270 has already been raised by the time of writing, and donation buckets will also be present during the walk.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/schiehallion-ward to donate.
