Determined Scots nurse to cycle from London to Amsterdam with patients' families

A determined Scots nurse is to cycle from London to Amsterdam alongside patients' families.

Janice Heggie, the lead nurse for the Neonatal Service at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, takes on the 400-mile challenge ahead of her 60th birthday.

She will set off in June with 16 patient family members to raise funds for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

Janice, who will mark 35 years of service with the NHS next month, said: “I wanted to set myself a challenge for my 60th birthday and when the charity announced a call for people to make this cycle, I signed up right away. For years, I’ve watched the charity giving to the hospital, and I have seen the impact that their work has on people’s lives.

"This is my chance to do something for them. I started training in October last year and I average about 100 miles per week.

"Cycling has become a huge part of my life now. I even cycle indoors. I have more than one bike – let’s just say that."

The team will meet with five other children’s hospitals from across the UK too. Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing explained that she isn’t surprised that Janice has taken on such a challenge.

She said: "All of our nurses are inspirational in one way or another, but we find great strength in leaders like Janice. We’re so proud of the work that she gives and the care that she delivers to patients. For the past 35 years, she has dedicated her time to caring for children, often in very complicated cases.

“Janice sets a goal and works hard towards it so it isn’t a surprise that she has signed up for this journey and I can guarantee that she will be an amazing motivator to those cycling with her. A huge thanks to Janice and to all our nurses that are inspiring others.

You can donate to Janice’s cycle here.

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