Climb for Corbin
18-year-old Ashton has recently completed a remarkable challenge in memory of his little brother Corbin, who sadly passed away last year due to complications with his heart. Ashton’s “Climb for Corbin” saw him and a team of family members, as well as school friends of both Corbin and Ashton, scale Scotland’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis - raising over £3,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
In addition, 4 of Corbin’s school friends organised their own fundraiser tied to the climb, raising £2,000 for St John’s Ambulance. These funds will go towards installing a defibrillator at the boys’ school, an incredible legacy in Corbin’s name.
Corbin’s Hospital Journey
Corbin was born in Cyprus in 2010, on the country’s RAF Akrotiri base hospital. When Corbin was just 2 months old, routine baby checks led to the discovery of a heart condition. A few years later, his family moved to Larkhall, and Corbin began attending Yorkhill Children’s Hospital.
Over the years, Corbin underwent regular appointments, including a balloon procedure to open up one of his valves. During these stays, the family received support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, with the Play Team and visiting entertainers helping to keep Corbin engaged and comforted throughout his time in hospital.
Tracy shares:
“We were highly entertained by the Play Team designing paper guitars, and Corbin loved watching the magician who visited the ward to perform magic tricks. Even after he had been discharged, we had to wait until the magician had finished before Corbin would leave!”
Thanks to the success of his procedure, Corbin eventually returned to nursery and school and only attended the children’s hospital for check-ups with the cardiology team, which became less frequent over time due to Corbin’s good health.
Last year, while outside playing football with friends, Corbin collapsed and very sadly passed away.
“Corbin had grown up and had just been allowed to take part in competitive sports less than a year before he died. He loved playing football.”
Tracy
The family held a funeral collection for the hospital’s A&E department, where the cold cot gave them precious time together. Our Bereavement Services team were also on hand to support the family through such an incredibly difficult time.
A ‘Much Loved’ page was also set up in memory of Corbin. This allowed loved ones to make a donation to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in lieu of flowers. More information about this service can be found here.
Ashton’s Big Climb
Last year, Ashton’s school had arranged a group climb of Ben Nevis for another local charity. However, the climb took place on the day of Corbin’s funeral, so Ashton and several close friends were unable to make the trip.
Determined to honour his brother in his own way, Ashton decided to organise a separate climb in Corbin’s memory. On the 28th of May, a team of climbers – ranging in age from 14 to 46 - bravely completed the challenge for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Tracy adds,
“Ashton loved going on the adventure with lots of his friends, and Corbin’s friends too.”
Tracy
“Climbing the mountain was very difficult but everyone was having fun along the way. When they reached the top, they were walking through cloud and snow- it was freezing!
Climbing back down was the hardest part as everyone’s calf muscles were burning. Thankfully, they all made it down safely, and I am so proud of the whole team.”
Be Inspired
If you’ve been inspired by Ashton and Corbin’s story, then why not take on your own challenge? Join our National 3 Peaks Challenge this August and help make a difference for children like Corbin. Spaces are limited, so sign up now to secure your spot.