A family who lost their days-old baby to a rare condition are cycling 210 miles across Scotland to raise funds for the hospital that cared for their daughter.
Fadi Ghazala and his wife Liz will be starting their fundraising journey at Aberdeen’s neonatal unit before cycling to Edinburgh. They will then cycle to Glasgow at the Royal Hospital for Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
It was there where their daughter Rita was treated for the rare genetic condition Edwards Syndrome after her birth in December last year, reports AberdeenLive.
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The condition is also called Trisomy-18, and nine days after her birth Rita passed away, with Fadi saying in her short life she “made us very proud parents.”
Fadi and Liz with their baby Rita -Credit:Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
Fadi, a consultant ophthalmologist with the NHS, said: “Our daughter Rita Grace was incredibly brave, resilient and peaceful from the get-go. She made us very proud parents.”
Explaining the inspiration behind the challenge, Fadi added: “Rita gave us the best nine days of our lives – she was a huge inspiration.
“On her second day she was away from us for eight hours while she went through major surgery, and was well-known on the unit for keeping the doctors and nurses on their toes.
“In Rita’s short life, she had a profound impact on all who met her. She inspired others all over the world, and we have been humbled by the messages of love that we have received. We are truly honoured to be her parents.”
The funds raised in Rita’s memory will support the Family Bereavement Support Service of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, which this week moved to its new home at Crossbasket House.
More than £11,000 has been raised so far. To support Fadi’s challenge, visit his JustGiving page here.
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