A much-loved paediatric consultant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital has turned from a professional into a fundraising dad after his son was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Barney Scholefield, who works in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the hospital, has more recently become a full-time bedside father to two-year-old Fergus after he was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.

The youngster first began to feel unwell a few months ago, suffering with severe headaches and vomiting. Concerned it was something serious, Barney took Fergus to his place of work where his colleagues discovered a large tumour at the base of Fergus’ brain.

He underwent emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Neurosurgery Ward, followed by the hospital’s Oncology Ward where he has spent the last three months.

Devastated by the diagnosis, the determined dad, who has previously raised £19,000 in support of his patients, has organised a charity teddy bear walk titled ‘Walking for Fergus’ on March 5 and would like others to join in the sponsored stroll with their favourite cuddly to hand.

Attendees can choose from three dedicated routes at the Malvern Hills, including a family-friendly walk, a lengthier eight mile option, or the most challenging of them all – a 19 mile trek.

Those who wish to join in can start the walk whenever they wish, but are encouraged to finish by 3pm for a team photo at the British Camp Pub.

Barney and his family hope to raise a minimum of £5,000 to support the wonderful work of the children’s hospital, in particular its Oncology Ward and Barney’s own place of work, the Intensive Care Unit.

The father of four, originally from Ledbury, said: “Fergus is currently having extremely intensive chemotherapy, but in spite of everything he’s coping remarkably well and we owe that to the team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“The staff at the hospital work incredibly hard and provide second to none care for patients like my son. Their dedication inspired us to raise as much money as we can, so it would be amazing if everyone could join our walk and send a huge bear hug to Fergus and his friends.”

Further information and sponsorship forms can be found by searching ‘Walking for Fergus’ on Facebook. Alternatively, donations can be made online www.justgiving.com/walkingforFergus, or by texting FERG62 plus the amount you wish to donate to 70070.