A three year old boy from Inverness living with an undiagnosed neurological condition, is the proud owner of a new, state-of-the-art mobility device thanks to a programme of fundraising by 19 Co-op stores in the region.
His story touched the heart of Lorraine Davidson, store manager at Invergordon’s Co-op, so much that she rallied Co-op colleagues from 19 stores across the region into a summer of fundraising.
Colleagues from Co-ops stretching from Caithness to Inverness undertook three months of charity work in aid of the Step Up For Sam campaign, including bake sales and tombolas, culminating in them taking on the arduous North Coast 500 cycle challenge last month. To date, they have raised a total of £32,000.
The money has funded Sam’s new £12,000 Norwegian-made Innowalk. The revolutionary three-in-one device for safe sitting, standing and walking, promotes emotional and physical well-being by giving children like Sam the chance to enjoy proper movement. He is one of only three children in Scotland to have the device.
Sam’s mum, Steph, said: “It’s difficult to put into words just how grateful we are to everyone at the Co-op. When Lorraine said that the Co-op wanted to raise money for Sam I was grateful at the thought of a few hundred pounds – yet to have over £30,000, and to finance a complex piece of equipment, is nothing short of a miracle for my family and I.
Well done to everyone involved. The Co-op is very proud of you!