Fundraiser reaches halfway point in 2,021 mile wheelchair challenge to thank Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Fraser Lamb’s fundraising effort has captured the hearts of his community, with friends and neighbours often cheering him on.

It has also inspired more than 600 people to donate towards the effort, which has seen Fraser raise almost £14,000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity, far exceeding his initial £2,021 target.

Fraser, of Bawtry, was born with myelomeningocele, the most severe type of spina bifida. This occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.

The condition leaves tissue exposed on the baby’s back and, without the protective covering of skin, the spinal cord becomes further damaged with a very high risk of infection. He was immediately admitted to Sheffield Children’s for treatment.

Three weeks later, Fraser developed hydrocephalus, which is the build-up of fluid on the brain. The condition required surgery and the insertion of a shunt to drain the fluid.

Fraser has had to return to Sheffield Children’s several times due to blockages, including requiring emergency life-saving surgery in 2004, when Fraser was just 12 years old.

Fraser’s mum Jan Lamb said: “From his first admission to his last, Fraser was very lucky to have such excellent care. The medical staff at Sheffield Children’s were some of the most caring and compassionate doctors we have ever met, they were second-to-none.”

It was his care that prompted Fraser to take on this ambitious challenge, which he has affectionally nicknamed ‘Roll on 2021’.

Fraser said: “This challenge is all about trying to give something back to Sheffield Children’s and the staff that have done, and continue to do, so much for so many children and their families.

“I said at the start that raising £1 a mile was a very daunting target but the support I get is unbelievable. Every day there is somebody that’s cheering me on or beeping their horn at me- it’s more than I could have ever imagined.

“Knowing that I’m going to make a difference to people’s lives keeps me going. I’m here today because of them, Sheffield Children’s will always have a special place in my heart.”

Freya Kingswood, senior events assistant at The Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “Getting to know Fraser over the past few weeks and months has been nothing short of inspiring. Both his determination to say thank you to Sheffield Children’s and his generosity of spirit have been incredibly moving.

“The amazing total he has raised will support our appeal to build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where the difference he is making will be felt by generations of young patients yet to come.”

The new ward has significance for families far beyond Sheffield. It is the Principal Treatment Centre for children with cancer and leukaemia from babies through to 19-year-olds within South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.

To support Fraser in his ‘Roll on 2021 challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fraser-lamb1