Inspired by a grieving mother’s fundraising efforts and wanting to recognise the support and care received by families at Altus, we were very pleased to present a donation to Bristol’s Children Hospital.
Natalia Spencer set herself a gruelling endurance challenge, Elizabeth’s Footprint, in memory of her daughter Elizabeth, who passed away in 2015 after contracting a rare autoimmune condition.
Natalia completed a 6,000-mile, year-long walk around Britain’s coastline, starting and finishing at Durdle Door in Dorset, the last seaside location she visited with Elizabeth. She has raised over £130,000 for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
Ward 32 of the Bristol’s Children’s Hospital is a specialist cardiac ward and cardiac High Dependency Unit (HDU). Children of all ages are admitted to this ward.
Simon Bussy, Altus Principal Consultant, nominated Elizabeth’s Footprint as his chosen charity.
He said: “Natalia’s story is absolutely heart-breaking. Yet in such tragic circumstances she has managed to complete an incredibly demanding challenge in memory of her Elizabeth. Natalia is a true inspiration to us all.
“I’m thrilled Natalia’s story was chosen by my colleagues, and that Altus wants to contribute such a wonderful sum of money to support her fundraising efforts.”
Mark Andrews, General Insurance Director at Altus, added: “Ward 32 looked after my son Ben in 2006 and 2007. I was so impressed with the staff, who took fantastic care of my son. I am delighted to be able to support them through this donation.”
The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children provides a local service for Bristol children and a referral service for specialist care for families across the South West and nationally.
Natalia recently received the Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Article published in Bath Echo
