Story
Following the loss of our beloved daughter, Rita, last year a team of family & friends cycled through the largest neonatal units in Scotland in the inaugural ride4rita. What started as a dad simply wanting to cycle for his girl, became an event that moved hearts: though her life was short, Rita’s was of extreme love.
This year, I will be cycling in the ride4rita in a tandem (me & Rita), on my road bike. I realized that those I pass on my ride will not see that, because I carry her in my heart. I initially thought that I would tow a child trailer on my journey, but that’s not Rita’s story – she was loved and gave love from the neonatal intensive care unit. I will therefore, tow an incubator – that is her story. It will be a reminder of who I am doing this for: Rita and all those beautiful babies that have short lives.
Please follow @ritaslegacyofhope on Instagram to stay updated. Last time the ride4rita raised enough money to create 'Rita's Room' which is a fit-for-purpose space at Crossbasket house for families to receive support and counselling following loss of their child. Numerous families benefit from this everyday.
This year, the ride4rita will fund a cuddle cot system for the palliative care team. There is nothing more difficult than saying bye to your child, and having the time the cuddle cot provides in those moments after death is shown to help families grieve their loss. The things that happen in those moments are very private, so I won't go into it - but I promise you, if you want to make an impact on someone's life, there is little that has more impact than allowing a family some moments after their child has passed to say goodbyes. All funds raised will go to Rita's Legacy of Hope Fund at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
Rita had Edwards Syndrome, but in that we met her, she showed us love, our lives have new meaning, and she will always be a part of our family. This is a love experienced by families, and understood by parents. Those 9-days with Rita were the best of our lives and that is our simple story. Children aren't defined by their abilities and their value isn't determined by the length of their lives.
I will start at Aberdeen Children's Hospital on July 28th, pass through Ninewells Hospital Dundee and RHCYP Edinburgh, before finishing at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on July 31st - a total of 212 miles, towing 30kg.
Help me make this ride4rita a success. Thank you!
Love,