Julia in fundraising walk for air ambulance after grandson’s medical emergency
A Wick woman has raised more than £1400 for an air ambulance charity after a medical emergency involving her two-year-old grandson.
Little Danny Grant was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness by a Scottish Ambulance Service helicopter when he became unwell during the festive period.
Grandmother Julia Dunnett (50) resolved to show her gratitude to the emergency services by signing up to a “Walk 100k in March” challenge run by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
However, she didn’t stop at 100 kilometres. Julia’s daily walks during the month amounted to 211k, approximately 131 miles.
As a result she was able to donate £1401 to SCAA and she has received a certificate for her efforts.
While the Scottish Ambulance Service is government-funded, SCAA relies entirely on donations from the public to support its life-saving flights across the country.
Julia said: “I’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who donated to my walking challenge. My challenge was to walk 100k in March and I actually got over 200k.
“Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is a vital service needed by so many throughout Scotland. I wanted to give something back.”
Danny’s emergency occurred on the evening of Boxing Day.
“Just like any other two-year-old, he was delighted by all the festivities and enjoying every minute of it,” Julia explained.
“Suddenly our little treasure became very ill. Our hearts sank but an air ambulance was there to take Danny where he needed to be and our family will forever be grateful for that.”
Danny was able to get home on December 28 and is said to be doing fine now.
“Danny is still his happy, cheery, tractor-daft self and we just have to take each day as it comes,” Julia said. “He continues to make us smile every day and we are so so proud of him.”
Julia’s daughter Katie Dunnett, Danny’s mother, said: “We as a family are so proud of our mum. This challenge wasn’t easy, especially with the weather we had throughout March.
“But, like the trooper she is, she smashed it and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
SCAA operates two helicopters and two rapid response vehicles and works in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Kate Loades, SCAA’s community fundraising manager, said: “We’re so glad an air ambulance was able to come to the family’s aid when little Danny took ill and we hope he continues to recover well.
“We’re very proud of Julia for taking on this challenge alongside other SCAA supporters. Not only did she meet her target, she absolutely smashed it.
“Julia should be in no doubt that this donation will help save lives and enable us to be there for others like Danny when emergencies arise.
“As a charity, SCAA relies entirely on the generosity of the public to fund our lifesaving service and Julia embodies the goodwill and generosity of our supporters. We can’t thank her enough.”
