A Toryglen man will cycle over 100 kilometres in a bid to create pamper boxes for NHS staff who have helped care for his mum.
Keen charity cyclist John Gibson will cycle 101km on Sunday, October 25, picking a route on the map that will spell NHS, and a love-heart symbol.
John, 31, explained: “My mum was taken in to hospital the other weekend as her heart rate was through the roof, but it turned out she actually had coronavirus.
“The nurses and staff who are looking after her have been amazing, some doing 12 and 15 hours. It’s outstanding the level of support and care she’s been given.
“As she isn’t allowed any visitors, they have been tremendous in keeping in touch with us.
“At the best of times, I don’t think the doctors and nurses get enough credit for what they do, and now in a pandemic they are doing so much more, so I just wanted to give something back to the staff and to the hospital that has looked after my mum, and so many others during these difficult times.
“So rather than donate money to the hospital, I’d like to give wellbeing and pamper boxes to the staff at the hospital as a thank you, letting them know they are appreciated.”
So on Sunday, John will start his route in Clydebank and will take in the whole of Glasgow, finishing in Lennoxtown, tracking his cycle on Strava allowing people to see “NHS <3” on the map.
John, who runs a goalkeeping academy, is now on the hunt for donations of goodies that can be put in to his pamper boxes. He added: “Things like facemasks, lip balms, hand moisturisers would be great for the boxes as the hospital staff are in full PPE all day and it’s taking a toll on their skin.
“But also toiletries, candles, chocolates, biscuits, sweets or a bottle of wine would be great.
“Anything really to put in the hamper just to say thank you to the fabulous staff of the NHS and reward them individually rather than donating to hospital.”
If you wish to donate an item to John for the NHS pamper boxes, send him an email at: johngibson89@hotmail.com or get in touch with the Reformer by emailing: emylie.howie@reachplc.com
