An Ayrshire mum is taking on a 90km walking challenge, the equivalent of going around Arran, to raise funds for Crosshouse Children’s Fund.
Shauni Gray, from Saltcoats, will complete the Around Arran in 30 Days challenge as a way of thanking the “amazing people” who supported her family while her son, Luca, was treated at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Son treated in neonatal unit
Luca was born in October 2025 with fluid in his lungs and breathing difficulties. He was immediately rushed to the neonatal unit, where he stayed for five days, cared for by the team of nurses.
“The staff made our entire family feel so welcome, reassuring us every time the buzzer went off and talking us through every step they took in Luca’s care,” said Shauni.
Crosshouse Children’s Fund supported Luca and his family through his difficult start to life, from feeding support to quiet moments in the Ayrshire Maternity Unit garden.
Fundraising for families
“We are taking part to help raise money for all the babies and children cared for in Crosshouse Hospital, to help make their stay a wee bit easier,” added Shauni. “We didn’t expect to end up in the neonatal unit, but we are very lucky to have had such amazing people looking after us.”
Kirsten Watson, CEO of Crosshouse Children’s Fund, said: “We are so grateful to Shauni and her family for their ongoing support of Crosshouse Children’s Fund. The vital funds raised by our Around Arran in 30 Days challenge will help babies and children from across Ayrshire who are treated at University Hospital Crosshouse and the Ayrshire Maternity Unit.”
More than 25,000 young patients from across Ayrshire and Arran are treated each year in the hospitals the fund supports. Money raised goes towards vital medical equipment, helping families navigate their child’s journey, and helping children cope in hospital.
