North-east youngsters, going through cancer treatment, will soon be able to enjoy regular swimming sessions, with a charity providing the funds to make the “dream” scheme a reality.
For children with the disease, swimming is normally something they have to give up, because the tubes attached to their bodies to administer treatment cannot get wet.
Parents say that they miss the experience of seeing their tots splashing about in the water.
Aberdeen-based children’s entertainment firm, Love Rara, embarked on a mission to get those youngsters back swimming – wearing specially made protective suits and accompanied by costumed mermaids and mermen to add a touch of magic.
The idea was sparked after the company’s owner, Zara Grant, took Forres youngster Eileidh Paterson swimming in a special costume just weeks before the five-year-old died last summer.
After helping Eileidh tick off the item from her bucket list, Mrs Grant became inspired to help other sick children take part in the activity.
Earlier this year, she staged another session with four-year-old Summer Russell at Bannatyne’s swimming pool in Aberdeen.
Summer’s mum, Elizabeth Russell, was overcome with emotion when her daughter took to the water for the first time since being diagnosed with a form of leukaemia in September 2016.
And now, Mrs Grant is preparing to widen the initiative after being given the necessary funds by Lossiemouth-based children’s charity, Logan’s Fund.
She said: “The suits cost about £500 each, and five are being bought while two other members of staff are receiving training so that they can carry out the lessons, which cost £300 each.
“I burst into tears when Logan’s Fund got in touch, this is what I have been dreaming of.
“Hopefully by the summer, we should be able to carry out regular sessions with lots more children from the hospital, which is so exciting.”
Logan’s Fund chairman, Cameron Mackintosh, added: “Kids going through treatment miss being in the water and their parents miss watching them learn to swim, which is considered such a normal part of growing up.
“Getting the dry suits on can be an ordeal, so having the mermaids on hand makes it a more fun experience.
“Love Rara works with a lot of the same kids as we do, and we have wanted to do something together for a while.”
