Buttercup Walk Hero Alex to start Buttercup Walk

Posted by Sam Bowie on 28 May 2014

A heroic patient of the RNOH is to start the 12th annual Buttercup Walk alongside Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock.

10-year-old Alex McCartney from South West London has been nominated as the event’s Buttercup Walk Hero due to his amazing bravery. His fundraising effort for the Buttercup Walk has smashed its £500 target - to date he has raised more than £6,000 thanks to his family and friends.

Alex was admitted to the RNOH after being diagnosed with a bone tumour in his left arm in January this year. While at the hospital Alex had surgery to remove the affected bone and replace it with a titanium prosthesis.

Alex was always a keen sportsman and following his surgery was determined to return to playing his much-loved sports. Last week he took his first steps towards that goal, returning to the pool for swimming lessons.

Alex said: “It’s really amazing that so many people have helped me raise all this money and I want to thank the doctors and nurses who helped me get better, especially Mr Skinner. I’m very excited to be the Buttercup Walk Hero and it is going to be great to start the Buttercup Walk with an Olympic medallist!”

Over 300 people will be attending this year’s Walk, which is taking place on Sunday 8 June, and a host of family-friendly activities are lined up, including children’s rides, live music, delicious food, and a variety of stalls.

Rosie Stolarski, the RNOH's Director of Fundraising and Development, added:

“Alex is a very brave 10-year-old, who is such an inspiration, and has made a remarkable recovery. We are delighted to announce that he has been nominated as this year’s Buttercup Walk Hero. We are extremely grateful to all his family and friends for sponsoring Alex. The money he has raised will make a real difference to future patients at the RNOH.”

Since its launch in 2003, the Buttercup Walk has raised over £350,000 for the RNOH Charity to help improve facilities and patient care at the hospital.

Registration for this year’s Walk is now open. Entry is free and sign-up is available at: http://www.rnohcharity.org/the-buttercup-walk/index. You can also support Alex’s fundraising efforts by donating on his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/AlexJMcCartney.