Callum walks from Glasgow to Linlithgow
September 15, 2024
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Callum, kindly undertook the challenge of walking from Glasgow to Linlithgow to raise vital funds for The PJ Foundation
PJ’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a young boy who faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery.
Born on October 13th, 2004, PJ Cockburn entered the world with Bowel atresia and short gut syndrome, setting the stage for a journey filled with medical complexities. His early months were spent in the care of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital, where he underwent numerous surgeries in an effort to navigate his condition. Despite the hurdles, PJ’s spirit remained strong.
As a result of his condition, PJ relied on a TPN machine for nutrition, a lifeline that unfortunately took its toll on his liver. At just under a year old, PJ found himself in need of a liver transplant. The call for a donor came unexpectedly, and PJ was swiftly transported to Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital for the life-saving procedure.
On December 28th, 2004, amidst the holiday festivities, PJ took centre stage as the celebrity guest at a family fundraiser, radiating joy and spreading smiles to all who gathered. Despite the challenges he faced, PJ’s spirit remained undimmed, and he embraced the opportunity to be surrounded by the love and support of his family and community.
His presence at the fundraiser was a testament to his resilience and the unwavering determination to live life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity. As guests mingled and shared in the festivities, PJ’s infectious laughter and vibrant energy served as a reminder of the power of hope and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Despite the challenges, PJ’s spirit remained undiminished. He enjoyed moments of respite, attending school, indulging in outdoor activities like riding his bike, playing with his friends, and immersing himself in the joys of childhood, including cherished family holidays and gaming sessions on his beloved PlayStation.
In early 2017, PJ’s health took a turn for the worse, and the devastating reality of needing a quadruple transplant became apparent. Despite the valiant efforts of his medical team and the unyielding love of his family, PJ’s condition continued to deteriorate. On June 15th, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family, PJ peacefully passed away at home.
PJ’s legacy lives on through the foundation established in his honour in 2017. The PJ Foundation stands as a testament to PJ’s enduring spirit and seeks to support families facing similar challenges, ensuring that PJ’s memory continues to inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity
Unfortunately, many children still die whilst awaiting an organ donation/transplant with members of the PJ foundation having first-hand experience of this.
The charitable purpose of the PJ foundation is to relieve the needs of children, young people and their families impacted during their time in hospital or recovery at home. This is achieved through supporting many great partners and directly aiding those who need it most.
The work that we do, wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous efforts of our hard-working team of volunteers, led by our very driven Board of Trustees.
Our charity is committed to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation in Scotland, advocating for the life-saving benefits it brings to individuals and families in need. We work to educate the public, encouraging more people to consider becoming donors.
In addition, we provide vital support to sick children and their families, offering emotional, practical, and financial assistance during their most challenging times. Through our efforts, we aim to bring hope, improve the quality of life for those affected by illness, and strengthen our communities by fostering a spirit of compassion and generosity
We Couldn’t Do It Without Them
Callum, kindly undertook the challenge of walking from Glasgow to Linlithgow to raise vital funds for The PJ Foundation
The PJ Foundation are proud to sponsor Linlithgow Rose player PJ McGiff
PJ’s sister Aimee does her part by Sky-diving from 10,000ft
To commemorate Organ & Tissue Donation week in Scotland, The PJ Foundation we’re delighted to take part in the ‘paint the peaks pink’ campaign.
The PJ Foundation we’re honoured to be invited to attend the Order of St John Award in Glasgow earlier this year.
The PJ Foundation we’re delighted to visit our friends at ECHC, bringing along some goodies.
