A CARING dad is getting ready to embark on a unique journey to raise money for the hospice which looked after his terminally ill son.


Jonathan Kelly, from Bridge of Weir, and his brother Phil will be travelling the length of the UK before heading to Gibraltar and down to the fringes of the Sahara desert in a Smart car which has been decorated to look like a children’s toy.


They are hoping to raise £10,000 for CHAS – Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – which cared for Jonathan and his wife Lynne’s son Rafferty before he died at just nine weeks old.


Jonathan said: “Rafferty was our first baby boy. He was born four weeks early on July 14, 2014, and passed all his newborn checks but, four weeks later, we noticed his muscles were floppy.


“At seven weeks old, Rafferty was diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – a fast advancing genetic condition affecting the part of his nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.


“A family friend used to be a neonatal specialist in Glasgow and he knew Dr Pat, the Medical Director at CHAS. From being diagnosed on the Friday, Rafferty was transferred to Robin House, in Balloch, on the Monday.”


Jonathan and his wife were so grateful for the support they received from the hospice during such a difficult time in their lives that the family wanted to find a way to give something back.

The Gazette:

Much-loved Rafferty died at the age of nine weeks


He said: “Robin House made an awful time of our lives easier than it could have been. It meant that we could get some sleep, knowing that Rafferty was being cared for by specialists, and that our family and friends could come and visit us. The staff were always on hand to advise us on what was best for Rafferty.


“We stayed at Robin House for three weeks until Rafferty’s funeral. For those three weeks we were able to make memories that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible as a family.”


Jonathan, who has two young sons named Drummond and Wilf, was keen to fundraise for CHAS to thank the charity for its support.


That’s when he and his brother came up with the idea to get a Smart car, decorate it and drive it to Africa.


The vehicle has taken on the look of a Little Tikes toy car and has already attracted a great deal of attention.


Leaving Robin House on Friday, September 29, the brothers will drive to Gibraltar as part of an organised charity banger rally and then continue south on their own into Morocco and onto the fringes of the Sahara desert.


Jonathan Clegg, CHAS community fundraiser, said: “What Jonathan and Phil are doing is very special. The rally is a beautiful way to fundraise in Rafferty’s memory and the customised car is fantastic in spreading joy, smiles and awareness of CHAS on their travels.


“We wish them the best of luck on their trip."