As part of our Kiltwalk sponsorship, we’re taking a look at some of the charities that the funds raised from the walking events will support. Today we’re focusing on SBH Scotland.
Founded in 1965, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland was created by a small group of parents, each with a child with spina bifida, to help other parents and their children. Over fifty years later, family remains at the heart of their service but they are now a nationwide charity supporting over 3,500 children, young people and adults and offering a lifetime commitment of specialist information, projects, support groups and home and hospital visits.
Both conditions are life-long, complex disabilities. Spina bifida occurs during pregnancy and is a condition where the spine does not develop properly, leaving a gap causing damage to the central nervous system. Hydrocephalus is an increased pressure on the brain due to a build up of fluid which impacts brain function.
One of the key benefits of SBH Scotland is their invaluable support, right from day one and the initial diagnosis. Demi O’Malley was just 20 weeks old when she was diagnosed with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Demi’s conditions mean she’s paralysed below the waist and has a shunt fitted into her brain to drain excess fluid. But it is the last four years that have caused the greatest issues for her, due to the discovery of her epilepsy and complications from a previous surgery.
However, Demi’s determined not to let her conditions get in the way of living a full life – she’s all set to join her dad at our South Street Motorstore branch and undertake some work experience in April as she’s always wanted to work in an office environment. We’re looking forward to her joining the Arnold Clark team!
Our colleague Scott Howie who works within the Arnold Clark Vehicle Management team is set to raise funds for SBH Scotland. He is looking forward to completing the Wee Wander in his Mountain Trike wheelchair Arnold Clark has hired for him.
Every year SBH Scotland have to raise £1million to continue their high level of service and with little statutory funding they are reliant on donations and sponsored events from supporters, particularly the Kiltwalk.
Director of Fundraising for SBH Scotland said, ‘Every step taken for SBH Scotland in the Kiltwalk ensures a better future for all those who ask us for help. We believe that all those with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus should be given the best chance in life and thanks to those walking for us we can work to make that a reality – thank you.’
In 2016 SBH Scotland were named ‘National Charity of the Year’ at the Charity Champion awards; an accolade they are incredibly proud of.
If you would like to walk for this charity at the upcoming Kiltwalk events, SBH Scotland offering all those who walk for them 50% off registration fees and no minimum sponsorship level. For your 50% discount code and more information contact Lynsey Hamilton on 03455 211 600 or email lynsey.hamilton@sbhscotland.org.uk
Visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk for further details on the charity. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.