A Dundee family this week forgot their own troubles to donate to ward 29 at Ninewells Hospital, where their 13-year-son is recovering from a serious injury connected to a heart complaint.
Nathan Buik was playing football for Dryburgh Athletic in 2008 when he collapsed without warning.
He was found to have the same heart condition — hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — as Motherwell and Celtic player Phil O’Donnell, who died at the age of 35.
A second collapse, walking to school at Baldragon Academy, led to Nathan being transferred immediately to the children’s hospital at Yorkhill in Glasgow, where he was fitted with a pacemaker.
Nathan’s dad Derek said, “He was brought back for recuperation at ward 29. He had a hell of a time but was back at school after his upset and after his pacemaker was fitted.
“He was out shopping with his cousin on Hogmanay, spending his Christmas money, when he collapsed again while boarding a bus.
“He fell on to the pavement and hit his head.
“Over the New Year period he was in intensive care for two weeks and then back on ward 29.
“During this time in Ninewells we lost his grandad Herbie Buik.
“Friends and family made donations at the funeral and we decided to give the money to ward 29. His grandad would have liked that.”
Donations at Mr Buik’s funeral raised £260, which was presented to ward 29.
The ward staff decided to use the money to buy high chairs and baby bouncers.
Derek said the signs for Nathan’s recovery are “very encouraging.”