A plucky Scots schoolgirl is set to take on a mammoth challenge by climbing Ben Lomond following her great grandpa’s brave cancer battle. Lola-Rose Wood, 9, will be joined by dad George as they scale the 974 metre climb on Saturday to raise vital funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The primary five pupil, from Barrhead, was inspired to help after loved one James Stark, 80, was diagnosed with the disease in 2018. After his condition sadly worsened, the pensioner has now been moved into hospice care but is said to be doing well.
The primary five pupil admits that she's more determined than ever after being offered a Five Guys meal afterwards by her mum. She said: “I am so excited to climb Ben Lomond. I am also a tiny bit nervous about how high it’s going to be.
“I want to do this challenge to raise money to go towards more people like my great grandpa who need help in a hard time in their lives. I also think it will be good fun. My mum said she will get me a Five Guys for dinner if I complete it, so I have to do it now.”
Proud mum Limara Hill, 32, added: “Lola’s great grandpa, who is my grandpa, has been fighting cancer for over five years with outstanding support and help from The Beatson. In December his condition got worse and he is now staying in St Margaret’s Hospice, but he has really picked up again and is still full of jokes and stories.
“He’s an amazing man and we’re lucky to still have him here with us. Raising money by walking Ben Lomond is just a small token of our gratitude. We are so unbelievably proud that Lola chose to do such a big climb to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity.
“She is such a determined, thoughtful and kind little girl we couldn’t be more proud of her.”
And dad George, 33, who is scaling the peak for the second time, said: “I feel confident about our Ben Lomond climb. I’m looking forward to some father and daughter time raising money for a great cause and making this memory together.
“I have climbed Ben Lomond before so I know how much of a challenge it will be. This will be Lola’s first time, but I have every faith she’ll manage.”
Lola-Rose has already smashed her £200 target with almost £1000 raised. Niall Gibson, community & challenges fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, added: “We’re always so inspired by the challenges people take on to raise money for our charity, but 9-year old Lola taking on Ben Lomond is quite incredible.
“We’re so grateful to Lola and her family for their support and we wish Lola and George the best of luck ahead of their climb. Every penny raised during challenges like this goes towards supporting other patients and their families across the west of Scotland.”
Donate to Lola and George’s Just Giving page here.
