Fundraising in memory of Gregg Smith

We are a group of friends who have come together to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and funds for Ward 16 at Heartlands hospital in Birmingham. Ward 26 is a specialist ward that treats and cares for people who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. 

Cystic Fibrosis commonly referred to as CF affects more than 10,400 people in the UK. It is a progressive genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. A defective gene which is tested for at birth causes a build up of mucus in the lungs and digestive system. This causes many lung infections and problems digesting food.

Gregg Smith was a kind, funny and courageous young man who has fought illness his entire life. At the age of 14 Gregg became ill with Encephalitis. This is a condition where a virus attacks the brain and causes swelling. Gregg was put into an induced coma for 6 months. When he woke he has to learn how to walk, talk, eat and write again. He did it all showing great determination and strength.

In 2008 he had a liver transplant due to the amount of medication he was required to take daily which affected his liver function.

He then started dialysis in August 2018 as his kidneys had started to fail.

He underwent all of this as well as fighting off multiple infections and issues with his digestive system due to CF.

Unfortunately following a chest infection and a 5 week stay on ward 26, Gregg made the brave decision to stop his dialysis treatment. Gregg sadly passed away on the morning of the 16th December 2018.

Throughout everything Gregg remained positive and continued to be his funny, bubbly and warm-hearted self. I write this bursting with pride and admiration as he truly was the most amazing person inside and out.

Gregg like many other CF sufferers spend a considerable amount of time on wards like ward 26. Which brings me to what we are raising money for. Ward 26 at Heartlands in Birmingham is in the process of refurbishing the patient rooms. Each room refurb will cost between £10,000-£12,000. This will cover the cost of all new top of the range medical equipment, better patients beds, comfortable beds for parents to stay and new bathroom suits as well as compete new decor! It’s to create a more comfortable and home from home feeling whilst staying in hospital.

This brings me to what we are going to do to raise money. We are going to take on the National 3 Peak Challenge! 

We will attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours!!

We will climb each peak in turn, and will then be driven from the foot of one mountain to the next. The three peaks are:

Ben Nevis at 1,345 meters the highest mountain in Scotland

Scafell Pike at 978 meters the highest mountain in England

Snowdon at 1,085 meters the highest mountain in Wales 

We will walk an estimated distance of 26 miles, with a total ascent 3,000 meters.

If you would like to help support us please donate via the link below which will take you directly to the fundraising page.

However if your a friend of Gregg’s and would like to join us please contact Amy Cotter via Facebook or phone on 07944266925. 

Other fundraising events will be organised throughout the year to reach our target. Please follow and like the Facebook page ‘Fundraising in memory of Gregg Smith’ to keep track of any updates.

Thank you in advanced for all of your support!