Fraser: “Sheffield Children’s gave me the best care you could imagine”
Fraser was born with a type of spina bifida called myelomeningocele, which affects his spine and spinal cord. He was immediately admitted to Sheffield Children’s, but a few weeks later, he also developed another condition, hydrocephalus, which can cause pressure on the skull.
Fraser is very familiar with Sheffield Children’s and has been in and out of treatment his whole life. Many of his 22 surgeries have taken place at the hospital, including emergency life-saving surgery for a blockage in 2004, when Fraser was 12 years old.
Fraser’s mum, Jan, told us: “From his first admission to his last, Fraser was very lucky to have such excellent care. The medical staff at Sheffield Children’s were some of the most caring and compassionate doctors we have ever met, they were second-to-none.”
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity supports Sheffield Children’s to change lives every day, going over and above the NHS provision. The money raised supports specialist treatment from head to toe, by funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.
As a thank you for the care and treatment he received, Fraser has generously raised tens of thousands of pounds for other children and young people supported by the charity.
Fraser has a strong sense of adventure and enjoys a challenge. In 2021, he pushed his wheelchair 2,021 miles from his home, raising over £20,000 towards the haematology and oncology ward at Sheffield Children’s. He drew in crowds of people from across South Yorkshire to watch him as he took on the incredible challenge, and even attracted the attention of the BBC.
Fraser says he is “the type of person who always needs something to focus on”, and that’s why he’s taking on a brand-new fundraising challenge for the charity this year.
Fraser said: “I’m fundraising for Sheffield Children’s because they have always been there when I’ve needed them. They’ve given me the best care you can imagine!”
He has creatively named his charity fundraising challenge ‘Bawtry to Bratislava and back’ because he is pushing his wheelchair the equivalent distance of 2,008 miles in 2025.
He is completing the virtual challenge throughout the year, taking on a couple of miles each day in his local area of Bawtry.
So far, he has wheeled 632 miles and is well on his way to reaching his fundraising target of £1,000.
He added: “When I started fundraising, I didn’t know what I was getting myself in for! But it gets easier. My friends, family and neighbours may join me on the walks, sometimes a dog comes, but they can be very slow!”
His supporters have described him as “an inspiration” because he has always persevered despite challenges along the way.
He said: “No matter sun, wind or rain – and even snow because we’ve had some freezing temperatures this year – I am out and about!
“Earlier in the year, a wheel on my wheelchair fell off. Luckily, I had just left my house.”
Fraser is keen for more people to take on their own charity fundraiser. He said: “I would strongly encourage you to fundraise for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. It benefits a good cause, and it benefits you. My fitness has improved so much so quickly.”
To support Fraser’s fundraising, visit his JustGiving page here.
