Mark Beaumont gives his backing to ARCHIE Foundation campaign

Adventurer and author Mark Beaumont has spoken of his commitment to The Courier-backed ARCHIE Foundation’s attempt to raise £2 million to deliver a world-class children’s operating theatre at Tayside Children’s Hospital in Dundee.

Mark said: “I’ve always had a keen interest in the work Archie does and in children’s charities. Last year I did the STV appeal and raised £90,000 by running and swimming from Arran to Aberdeen.

“I’m delighted and really looking forward to getting to know the team and the charity better.”

David Cunningham, chief executive of the Archie Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Mark as a patron of the charity.

“He is an inspiring individual whose own incredible journeys can and will act as a great motivator to many children and young people going through their own challenging health-related journeys.”

The pledge to raise cash includes money for two new paediatric operating theatres.

A suite costing £6 million has secured £4m of NHS Tayside funding, with the additional £2m Archie cash being used to pay for child-friendly surroundings, equipment and specialised staff.