In a time of great sadness for one of their own, team members from O-I Glass Australia have rallied together to swim, ride and run their way to raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Foundation in memory of Callum McLoughlin.

Melbourne parents James and Kerrie faced the unthinkable when their son Callum, age 14, was diagnosed with spinal cord cancer. Despite being initially classed as low grade, in heart breaking circumstances the tumour was ultimately inoperable because of its proximity to his brain.

The RCH became the McLoughlin’s second home as Callum underwent six months of aggressive treatments to help fight the tumour. The precarious location of Callum’s tumour caused life-threatening complications and teams from across the hospital worked together to treat, operate on and care for Callum.

“They literally moved heaven and earth to keep Callum alive,” said James.

A courageous boy with incredible spirit, Callum sadly succumbed to his cancer in 2018.

Earlier this year, James’ employer, glass bottle producers O-I Glass honoured Callum’s memory by competing in the Melbourne Corporate Triathlon. 54 O-I employees persevered through 38 degree heat to raise an incredible $15,864 for the RCH.

“I am extremely proud of everyone who competed, for those who completed a full triathlon for the first time, facing their demons of swimming 400m in the open water, for posting personal best times and battling the 38 degree temperature, for cheering every O-I competitor onwards and never, ever giving in!” said Rohan Sanderson, Beer, Spirits & Beverages ANZ Category Director at O-I.

The funds raised through O-I’s 2019 triathlon will help patients like Callum, supporting the latest ground-breaking cancer treatments and technology and ensuring world-class care for Victoria’s sickest children.