One of our staff and his family are going on a charity bike ride around neonatal units in tribute to his late baby daughter.
Consultant Ophthalmologist Fadi Ghazala, who’ll be joined by his wife, Liz, said: “Our daughter Rita Grace was incredibly brave, resilient and peaceful from the get-go. She made us very proud parents.”
In just a few weeks, family and friends will take on the Ride for Rita cycling challenge in her memory.
The team will cycle 210 miles across Scotland, visiting the level-four neonatal units in Aberdeen and Edinburgh before finishing in Glasgow, at the Royal Hospital for Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Rita was treated for the rare genetic condition Edwards Syndrome after her birth in December last year.
The condition is also called Trisomy-18, which has led the family to target a total of £18,000.
Explaining the inspiration behind the challenge, Fadi said: “Rita gave us the best nine days of our lives – she was a huge inspiration. On her second day she was away from us for eight hours while she went through major surgery, and was well-known on the unit for keeping the doctors and nurses on their toes.
“In Rita’s short life, she had a profound impact on all who met her. She inspired others all over the world, and we have been humbled by the messages of love that we have received. We are truly honoured to be her parents.”
The funds raised in Rita’s memory will support the Family Bereavement Support Service of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, which this week moved to its new home at Crossbasket House.
To support Fadi’s challenge, go to his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/Ride4Rita.
