Lanarkshire uncle makes

Dec 8 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

A LANARKSHIRE man has undertaken an “extreme swim” of the River Clyde to raise cash for the charity who provide vital therapy for his young nephew.

John Dyer, uncle of seven-year-old Joe Nicholson McCormick of Hamilton, recently swam a two-mile stretch of the Clyde in support of Bobath Scotland Children’s Cerebral Palsy Therapy Centre.

Retired fire fighter John, from Motherwell, raised £570 for the Glasgow-based therapy centre, to which Joe was referred at the age of two.

John was undeterred by rough weather conditions and currents on the day of the swim but his route had to be restricted to a triangular stretch of the river between Greenock Rowing Club and the esplanade. He succeeded in achieving his goal and raised a fantastic sum for Bobath Scotland, who provide specialist, holistic therapy to hundreds of children who suffer from cerebral palsy.

John’s endeavours underpinned the efforts of Joe’s dad, Brian McCormick, whose sponsored triathlons have also raised hundreds of pounds for Bobath.

Extending his gratitude to family and friends who contributed, John said: “Joe’s cerebral palsy means he has faced many difficulties in his early years but whenever he attends Bobath for a block of therapy, the entire family are delighted with the strides he can make as a result.

“I’ve always been a keen swimmer, so it made sense to undertake this challenge as a way of saying thank you to Bobath and acknowledging the difference they have made to the life of Joe and his family.”

Bobath Scotland head of fundraising Clare Lappin added: “It’s always touching and extremely encouraging for our charity to hear about the personal endeavours of supporters like John, on whom we rely for our very existence. Thanks to John and those who backed him in his fundraising swim, Bobath Scotland is able to provide the therapy that allows children like his nephew Joe to realise their full potential.”

To find out how you can help children in Scotland with cerebral palsy and for further information about Bobath Scotland Children’s Cerebral Palsy Therapy Centre, visit www.bobathscotland.org.uk or contact the fundraising team by e-mail at info@bobathscotland.org.uk or by telephoning 0141 352 5000.