A kind-hearted estate agent has helped a determined walker raise essential funds for life-saving equipment after hearing about the plight of a young boy.
J W Wood employee Rachel Elliott walked 16 miles to generate funds for a cause close to her heart. Rachel, of Consett, said: “My friend’s little boy was rushed into hospital last year after a brain haemorrhage. “He was playing football and just collapsed after complaining about a headache. When I got the phone call to say what had happened I was so shocked. I have two small children of my own and it really made me think.
“When my friend Jayne Davison told me about the sponsored walk I didn’t have to think twice about taking part.” Jake Davison, of Consett, was only eight years old when he suffered the bleed on his brain which was caused by an arteriovenous malformation known as an AVM. He was taken to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he underwent three lifesaving operations.
Rachel said: “What the RVI did for him was truly amazing. They literally saved his life and brought him back to normal. “This was our chance to give something back to them and to hopefully help others who may be in this situation.”
Over 50 walkers set off from the Newcastle RVI and walked to Consett where a gathering of friends and family welcomed them as they completed their challenge. Rachel said: “We all enjoyed the walk. There was a great atmosphere. Even though we had aches and pains and blisters along the way we all kept going to the end. “It was brilliant to see Jake join us with his friends from his football team too and lovely to see him enjoying himself. It made it all worthwhile.”
Rachel and fellow walkers raised more than £1,000 for the RVI which will buy new life saving equipment. Giving a head start to the fundraising was her employer, the well known County Durham estate agent JW Wood. Rachel said: “It’s great that my employer supported me in this and recognised what I’m doing. Giving me a £100 helping hand with my sponsorship was just brilliant.”
Chairman of JW Wood Keith Johnson said: “We like to support events in the community and I was moved to hear the story of young Jake. We are proud to hear one of our team was walking to raise the essential funds needed and it was a great effort by all involved.” Anyone interested in pledging funds can log on to www.justgiving.com/jayniedavison.
