A MORAY MUM has expressed her astonishment and pride at the “spirit and generosity” of the public in helping raise over £70,000 so far for potentially life-saving cancer treatment.
Gail Paterson was speaking after noting that the appeal she launched in the hope of raising the £100,000 required to send her three year old daughter Eileidh to the United States for pioneering treatment not available in the UK had reached almost three quarters of its target.
Eileidh has sparked an amazing reaction from communities throughout the north east and beyond, the toddler showing incredible bravery in her fight against Neuroblastoma, a high-risk form of cancer.
Pioneering drugs have been developed in the United States that reduce the chances of a relapse by 80% – but the treatment is only available for a short period of time and Eileidh must travel over the Atlantic to receive it.
Fundraisers have reacted over the last month with an astonishing array of individual and team efforts to raise the required funding, prompting Gail to say: “I have never in my life experienced such community spirit and generosity.
“The number of people who have taken Eileidh into their hearts and who have shared, donated and fundraised for her is staggering.
“Each and every one of them have played a part in Eileidh’s life both now and in the future, and it is because of them all we are getting closer to reaching our target.”
Details of the efforts being put in by individuals and groups are being posted on the Eileidh’s Journey Facebook Page while individuals or groups who wish to donate directly can do so by sending a texting EPAT88 to 70070 with the amount between £1 and £10 they wish to donate.
Donations can also be made online via the Eiledih’s Journey Just Giving website