Teen's charity cycle to thank hospital that saved her life

A teenager has vowed to cycle her socks off to raise money for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Angela Clemente, 17, has pledged to bike the 15-mile distance between her house and the Royal Hospital for Children throughout the month of October as part of the charity’s Pedal It Purple challenge.

The Rutherglen High School student, who lives in Bothwell in South Lanarkshire, was born weighing just 5.5lbs and was immediately whisked away to Yorkhill hospital’s intensive care unit.

There, she was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and oesophageal atresia, which is a condition meaning her oesophagus was not connected to her stomach.

Following a number of surgeries and more than 250 nights spent in hospital, Angela has since fundraised for the Glasgow charity due to her “special connection” with the children’s hospital – which has since moved from Yorkhill to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Angela told STV News: “I am so excited to do my charity cycle and I am having lots of fun.

“I love to cycle on my bike and I think it looks great with all the decorations on it.

“It was hard in the rain last week but I kept going. I am excited to go out again this weekend in the nicer weather.”

Superstar: Angela intends to cycle 15 miles throughout October. JustGiving

The teen has already smashed her £2000 target by raising £2710 so far.

She said: “I can’t believe how much money I have raised.

“Everyone has been very kind donating their money. I am so happy because it will help all of the doctors and nurses look after the children in the hospital.”

Anthony Clemente, Angela’s brother, said she is a “passionate” supporter of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and is always looking for new ways to fundraise.

He told STV News: “I couldn’t be prouder. Angela has amazed us all from the day she was born and has grown into an amazing young lady.

“She has so much love to give and a lot of empathy for the children in the hospital.

“Last year she asked for donations to the charity for her 16th birthday instead of gifts and this year has ran a fundraiser and now she is doing this. She inspires us all.

“I have joined her out on her cycles and walked alongside her cheering her on. The local community have been amazing too, stopping their cars as she goes by to put money in her bucket.”

To keep up-to-date with Angela’s fundraiser, click here.