Ex-apprentices charity bed push: John O Groats to Thurso

IN AID OF LOCAL MACMILLAN & CALUMS CABIN CHARITIES

THE DATE SET FOR THE BED PUSH IS SATURDAY 19th APRIL 2025,

STARTING OUTSIDE THE 8 DOORS DISTILLERY AT APPROX 0830HRS. IF YOU SEE US ON OUR JOURNEY FEEL FREE TO CHEER US ON, BEEP YOUR CAR HORNS & DONATE INTO OUR CHARITY BUCKETS. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! :-)

A couple of photos from the original bed push in June 1988

BACKSTORY: -

In the summer of 1988 a group of engineering apprentices from Dounreay teamed-up together to carryout a bed push from John O Groats to Thurso (approx. 20 miles) in aid of the Julie Wheatcroft Trust Fund (Bob Wheatcroft, Julie's dad, is receiving the cheque in photo).

Fast-forward some 38 years and the majority of the original group + some other ex-apprentices are regrouping again to have a second go!

Since the original bed push, a number of the members of the team have lost loved ones to cancer, witnessing first hand how cruel and indiscriminate this disease can be. More recently, one of the original bed-pushers was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Fortunately, after a period of intense treatment the member is now in complete remission! Having had unwavering support from these life long friends throughout his journey from diagnosis to treatment and onwards on to a 'new normal', the idea of repeating the bed push began to flourish. Another constant has been the local Caithness Macmillan team of nurses, always there for support and guidance, not only for the patient but for their family also. Having seen first hand the financial constraints causing cut-backs to this valuable service, we thought it an ideal organisation for us to raise some much needed funding for!

Another charity that has been close to our hearts is 'Calums Cabin'.

May 2022, Molly Reay was just 11 months old when she was admitted to Raigmore Hospital for balance & coordination problems, extreme lethargy and abnormal head positioning and increasing head circumference. Within a matter of hours, her Mum, Ashleigh (a niece of one of the team), was told they'd found a mass in little Molly's brain, which would later be diagnosed as cancer. In less than 24 hours the families life has been turned upside down, now having to relocate to Glasgow for specialist treatment. As Molly was about to start her cancer treatment, Calums Cabin reached out to provide her and her family with accommodation. CC have flats in Glasgow, close to cancer treatment centres which allow families from across the country to stay together in welcoming, home-from-home surroundings during extended periods of treatment.

At a time filled with such uncertainty, Calums Cabin provided Molly and Ashleigh with a safe space, that to this day still feels like home.

Molly loved her time on holiday and got to spend time in these special spaces where families came and spent quality time together, making incredible, irreplaceable memories.

10 months on from Molly's first hospital admission, she sadly lost her battle against the deadly disease, despite showing bravery like none other and laughing and smiling through it all...

Its mammoth efforts are only possible through the generosity of supporters and volunteers which enables them to help families all across the country.

At Calums Cabin, they believe no child suffering from cancer, or a cancer related illness, should miss out on quality time together at "home" or the chance to holiday with their loved ones. So please, if you can, dig deep!

https://www.calumscabin.com

Because of what's been mentioned above, we have decided as a group that whatever funds we raise we will split the total 50-50 between these two BRILLIANT, worthy charities, who we know will put that money to excellent use!