A family will walk 110 miles in August as a tribute to their “heart hero” son, Callum, who underwent life-saving open heart surgery last year — while raising funds for causes close to their hearts.
Ricky Wooldridge, Callum’s father, is an on-call firefighter for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service – based at Okehampton and North Tawton Fire Stations – and plans to walk from Bristol Children’s Hospital to Okehampton Fire Station in fire kit and breathing apparatus.
He will be joined by two colleagues, Tim and Dan, who are also on-call firefighters and plan to wear kit. Meanwhile, Callum’s mother Sam and his grandad Kev, who works with Ricky as an on-call firefighter at North Tawton, will take part in normal clothing.
Ricky said: “Callum was diagnosed in July 2023 with a very rare heart condition, ‘anomalous intramural right coronary artery’, and was booked in for open heart surgery early August 23 to repair the course of his right coronary artery to his heart.
“His operation was a success and he has since been able to re-join his football team and is enjoying life to the full again. Without his operation, Callum would not have been able to play any sport as he was at risk of cardiac arrest.”
The group will split all funds raised from the challenge between the Fire Fighters Charity and two other causes: The Grand Appeal, which helps fund life-saving equipment to Bristol’s Children’s Hospital, and Ronald McDonald – a charity which has 14 houses across the UK that give families a ‘home from home’ whilst their children are receiving treatment in hospital.
During Callum’s time in hospital, the Fire Fighters Charity offered the family financial guidance and support, to help them fund travel to and from visits.
Ricky continued: “With driving to and from appointments, having time off work and the cost that came with Callum in hospital, as well as being off school for a long period of time, the charity supported our family with financial aid to help relieve some pressure whilst going through the worst time of our lives.
“It was a massive relief and weight off our shoulders when the charity helped reimburse some of those costs. Our focus was completely on Callum, so to have that support with finances was so appreciated.”
Natalie Searle, fundraising manager at the Fire Fighters Charity, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ricky and his family for organising this fantastic walking challenge in aid of us. It is an incredible tribute to Callum’s strength throughout his health battle, which has been nothing short of inspirational.
“The funds raised for us will make a life-changing difference to so many lives in our fire family.”
To support the group’s fundraiser visit www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/walking-for-our-heart-hero