Tragedy spurs son to new heights

Mar 5 2009 by Richard Mooney, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON man who lost his mum to heart failure is hoping to raise £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Steven McMillan (24), of Low Waters Road, is organising a team to take part in the Scottish Grand Slam, a four-day challenge event that will see participants hiking the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis and cycling over 100 miles.

Steven’s mum Katie, a nurse at Hairmyres Hospital, died suddenly on Boxing Day 2005 following triple heart bypass surgery. She was 49.

Tragedy almost struck Steven’s family again when his dad, Robert (58), suffered a heart attack just four weeks ago and was rushed to hospital. Thankfully he later recovered.

Before she passed away, Katie urged Steven to raise money for BHF Scotland, and at first he struggled to find the motivation.

However, last year Steven and his friends raised an amazing £4500 for BHF Scotland in a sponsored walk up Ben Nevis.

The former St Joseph’s pupil said: “It takes something like that to happen – to lose someone close to you – to make you realise you should do something to make a difference to your own life and to others.

“My mum inspired me in the beginning, but my dad’s recent bad turn has made me want to try even harder.

“Most people would like to support a charity and think they don’t have the time – but really it just takes one small step.”

The Scottish Grand Slam starts at Inverness Airport on July 31 with a 35-mile cycle to Aviemore. The second day sees a walk in the Cairngorms, while day three is a gruelling 85-mile cycle to Fort William, followed by a climb up Ben Nevis on the tough Arete route on day four.

Steven added: “I’d like as many people on board as possible. It’s all there and organised.

“You don’t even have to take part in all the events, just whatever you can.”

If you’d like to join Steven’s team, contact him on 07722 807245 or call BHF Scotland on 0131 555 5891.