Primary school pupil to climb Ben Lomond with dad in honour of great-grandad battling cancer

A nine-year old girl is set to take on Ben Lomond in honour of her great-grandad who is battling cancer.

Lola-Rose Wood, who is in primary five at Cross Arthurlie Primary School, plans to complete the challenge with her dad, 33-year-old George Wood.

Lola’s great grandpa, 80-year-old James Stark from Clydebank, was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

His condition worsened in December last year and he has now been moved to a hospice.

Lola’s mum Limara Hill, 32, said: “Lola’s great-grandpa, who is my grandpa, has been fighting cancer for over five years with outstanding support and help from The Beatson.

“In December his condition got worse and he is now staying in St Margaret’s Hospice, but he has really picked up again and is still full of jokes and stories. He’s an amazing man and we’re lucky to still have him here with us.

“Raising money by walking Ben Lomond is just a small token of our gratitude.”

She said they are “unbelievably proud” of Lola for choosing to take on the big climb for the Beatson.

She added: “She is such a determined, thoughtful and kind little girl we couldn’t be more proud of her.”

The pair are hoping to complete the 974-metre climb on Saturday April 29.

The achievement will also go towards one of Lola’s brownie badges.

Lola said: “I am so excited to climb Ben Lomond. I am also a tiny bit nervous about how high it’s going to be.

“I want to do this challenge to raise money to go towards more people like my great-grandpa who need help in a hard time in their lives.

“I also think it will be good fun. My mum said she will get me a Five Guys for dinner if I complete it, so I have to do it now.”

Lola’s dad, George, will be tackling the climb for the second time.

He said: “I feel confident about our Ben Lomond climb. I’m looking forward to some father and daughter time raising money for a great cause and making this memory together.

“I have climbed Ben Lomond before so I know how much of a challenge it will be. This will be Lola’s first time, but I have every faith she’ll manage.”

Lola with her great-grandparents James and Maureen

Niall Gibson, community and challenges fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re always so inspired by the challenges people take on to raise money for our charity, but nine-year old Lola taking on Ben Lomond is quite incredible.

“We’re so grateful to Lola and her family for their support and we wish Lola and George the best of luck ahead of their climb.

“Every penny raised during challenges like this goes towards supporting other patients and their families across the west of Scotland.”

You can donate to Lola and George’s Just Giving page here.