Dumfries midwives left devastated at the tragic death of an “inspirational” colleague have taken on an emotional challenge in her memory.
Helen Renton had been set to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats over nine days by herself in a bid to raise money for MND Scotland.
But she died after being involved in a crash with a van while she was on her bike on the A710 at Southwick Bridge on April 11.
The 44-year-old’s death left husband Chris and three-year-old son Charlie distraught.
And her colleagues and friends at Dumfries Infirmary have been “hugely affected” by her loss.
They have now pledged to complete the 931-mile route themselves by walking, cycling or running.
And they will gather together at the Crichton grounds on July 24 to walk the final mile together.
Husband Chris, 57, told the Standard he is “overwhelmed” at the kindness and support shown by Helen’s colleagues following the tragedy.
He said: “Raising money for charity was her thing and she was always setting herself new challenges.
“I’m overwhelmed at what the midwives and other medical staff at the hospital are doing, because this is what Helen deserved.
“Life just stopped for me on the day she died.
“I’ve still had no answers to what happened that day and although the investigation has been concluded, I might have to wait months before I find out any answers. There’s no closure.”
He added: “Charlie is keeping me going because every time I look at him, I see Helen.
“I was punching above my weight with Helen and was so lucky to have had five very short years with her.
“They were the quickest and best of my life.”
Friend Suzi Sheerin, 41, revealed that Helen “should currently be on the road trip she was so looking forward to”.
She said: “We decided it would be a good way to honour her by completing her miles in any self propelled way by July 24.
“On that day, we will all be meeting in the Crichton grounds to complete the last mile together along with Helen’s husband Chris and son Charlie.
“It will be an emotional moment, but it will mean so much to all of us to finish what Helen started and raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease charity.
“Helen decided on this charity after speaking to one of our colleagues at the hospital whose husband had died from the disease.
“That’s the type of person she was. She is a huge loss to everyone who knew her.”
Leanne Solonyna, midwifery inpatients manager, added: “We have all been hugely affected by Helen’s death.
“She was an inspirational midwife, supportive, looked after others and was always raising money for charity.
“The whole team at the maternity unit feel her loss.”
To make a donation and help the Dumfries midwives raise as much money as possible for MND Scotland in memory of Helen, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-renton2
