An Angus man has vowed to raise money for a charity close to his heart after suffering a devastating loss.
Arbroath man Robert Beattie, 33, will walk over burning hot coals in a bid to raise cash for the Scottish Spina Bifida Association after he and his partner were left distraught when they had to terminate the pregnancy of their unborn child which had been diagnosed with the condition.
The couple were informed that the child stood little chance of making it to the late stages of labour because of the condition and even if it did, the chances of surviving the ensuing medical procedures were even less.
Robert, who also has spina bifida, and his partner Debbie decided to terminate the pregnancy a heart wrenching decision but the pair have now pledged to raise awareness of the condition by organising a fundraising fire walk.
“I was operated on when I was only six hours old because I had spina bifida and I just came to know the SSBA in later life,” said Robert.
“My partner was pregnant two years ago and we discovered that her unborn child had the condition too. We were told that even if the child did make it through to the later stages of labour, there was only a 10 per cent chance of the baby surviving the pregnancy and subsequent operations so we decided to terminate the pregnancy.
“Obviously that was a horrible experience so I just decided to try and raise as much as I can.”
The event is booked in for October 26 at Gayfield and all Robert needs now is for participants to step forward to take part in the 20 foot, bare foot walk over burning embers and for a local business to help with sponsorship.
“I’m hoping that I can get a business to sponsor the event that way the cost of the event is covered and any sponsorship money raised can go to the charity.
“We are also looking for people who can help by providing hot food and, most importantly, take part in the walking across the hot coals.”
For more information contact Robert on 07964965183 or search for “Arbroath Firewalk 2013 for the Scottish Spina Bifida Association” on Facebook.