Boy’s 31-Mile Thank You For Life-Saving Brain Surgery

A kind-hearted boy from Tregadillett in Cornwall walked 31 miles this summer and raised £520 for our charity to say thank you for his life-saving brain surgery.

Eight-year-old Mason Rigg took on our Kids Summer Challenge, completing 31 miles over August to raise funds to support our hospital. It was Mason’s way of saying a huge thank you for his treatment after a potentially life-threatening brain bleed caused by a head injury.

Mason was enjoying a half term holiday in Northampton with his mum Leanne, his dad, Chris, and his grandparents, when he fell during a soft play session, hitting his head so hard that he fractured his skull. His terrified mum called 999, and Mason was rushed to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment.

Mason’s head injury was severe, with signs of a bleed on his brain. He required urgent specialist surgery and was blue-lighted straight to our Children’s Hospital. Our surgeons performed an emergency operation known as a craniotomy, opening a hole in his skull to stop the bleed. Leanne and Chris could only wait with bated breath, knowing their son’s life was in our surgeons’ hands.

Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and Mason spent 10 days recovering while his skull healed. Mason bounced back remarkably quickly, but since he’s such an active lad, he started feeling bored and frustrated at having to be in hospital. Leanne was very thankful for the support of our incredible Play Team, who helped engage and distract Mason during his recovery time on the wards.

As Mason got better, he wanted to get right back to his usual sporty activities but had to take things more slowly due to his injury. Seeing how disappointed Mason was, his mum spotted our Kids Summer Challenge on Facebook, asking young participants to complete 31 miles during August. Kids could walk, cycle, swim, or choose any activity they liked to complete the distance. They could complete one mile every day or spread the distance out – it was their challenge, their way.

Leanne thought the challenge was a brilliant idea and a fabulous way to keep Mason motivated and gently active, all the while saying a huge thank you for his life-saving care. Mason was equally eager to help and set to the challenge with enthusiasm.

Mason walked 31 miles to raise money for our Children’s Hospital

Because of his reduced energy, Mason needed to walk his 31-miles at his own pace, spacing out his walks and resting on some days. Even though his recovery hit him harder than he’d thought it would, he was thrilled to see friends and family chipping in to support him, raising more than five times his original target.

Leanne said: “Our family never expected Mason to be in Birmingham Children’s Hospital – it was a heart-stopping moment and a real whirlwind. Mason still struggles with low energy, frustration and some memory loss, but we have to remind ourselves how lucky we are really. It could have been so much worse.

“The care at the Children’s Hospital was absolutely fantastic, and this challenge was a way to do some good while helping Mason with his recovery. Raising the money meant a lot to him and he’s really proud of what he’s achieved.”

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Mason is a real champion and he’s put in a stellar effort for our hospital, reaching his 31-mile goal while still recovering from major surgery. We’re so thankful for his support, and the money raised by Mason and thousands of children like him is making a huge difference to our hospital, supporting world class care for our patients.”