When Siobhan Rolinson and Stephen Mackin found out that their beautiful little boy, Finn, had a rare form of cancer, they embarked on a journey no parent ever hopes for.
The couple have spent little time at home since Finn started his treatment in February, just days before his first birthday.
And the family from Stonehaven still have a bit to go, with more cycles of chemotherapy to come and a trip to Glasgow eventually to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
But a chance meeting has shown them that there are strangers out there who want them to know they are not alone – and that there is support for their family outwith the hospital walls.
Earlier this month, Finn’s dad, Stephen, popped into The Men’s Emporium barber on Thistle Street, Aberdeen, for a quick haircut.
He got chatting to his hairdresser and opened up about everything his family are going through.
With two children of her own, Vikki Kane was so moved by what she heard, she and her colleagues turned up at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital that night with presents for Finn and his parents.
Now, they have gone one step further in their quest to help, and set up fundraiser to pay for a “holiday of a lifetime” for the family once Finn is better, to decorate his bedroom and to give him all the special treats he deserves.
Their site has already amassed hundreds of followers online, and several generous businesses have already pledged gifts to raise as much money as possible.
Finn’s parents said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who have signed up, but believe that because they have been so lucky with the support they have received from the hospital, their family and friends and the companies they work for, the money raised should go elsewhere.
“We would love Finn to have a couple of treats because he’s been through so much – maybe a swing or slide for the garden for when he’s better. But we have been given everything we need,” Ms Rolinson said.
“But some people need to fundraise because their kids need to go abroad for treatment. Others need to fundraise because they can’t work and are struggling for money.
“Between our families and friends and everyone at the hospital, they have helped take the stress out of everyday life here. We would love the money to go to charity so it can help people more in need.”
Vikki said: “As a hairdresser, people often open up to you about their lives – the good and the bad.
“When Finn’s dad told me about him, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I knew we had to do something to help.”
Finn’s mum and dad hope that most of the money raised can be donated to the Archie Foundation, the official charity of the RACH, who fund and support facilities at the hospital like the parents’ accommodation, which they have depended on.
“We wanted to do something to raise money ourselves, but we don’t have the time just now so we’re so pleased someone else is taking their time to do it for us,” she said.
“When we found out what they had done, we couldn’t believe it. It’s amazing.
“We’re just a normal family – there are other people going through much worse. It’s incredible to think people care so much.”
A ‘healthy and happy’ baby
Finn was a “healthy and happy” 11-month-old when he was diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of acute myeloid leukaemia.
In February, just days before he turned one, he started receiving intensive chemotherapy.
But just as he was due to start his last round, little Finn contracted an ear infection and the muscles on one side of his face became paralysed.
Tests showed the leukaemia had returned, and that he had developed a tumour on his brain.
Finn is now receiving more aggressive chemotherapy to treat the relapsed cancer.
Once that is complete, he will travel to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow where he will undergo a bone marrow transplant to reduce his chances of a further relapse.
For now, his parents are taking “each day as it comes”.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but on the whole Finn has been so happy and adjusted to life in hospital really quickly – he’s always smiling,” said 29-year-old Ms Rolinson.
“We just remember that Finn doesn’t know exactly what’s happening to him.
“A lot of the older kids here know what’s happening to them – they are missing out on school and spending time with their friends.
“Finn is missing out too, but he doesn’t know that he is missing out, which we’re taking as a positive.”
The day will soon come when Finn is able to return home, but his parents admitted it was hard to imagine having a “normal life” again.
His mum said: “The hospital is like our home now. It hard to imagine having a normal life,” she said.
“Because he has relapsed before, it’s scary to think of us going home. It should be normal, but it’s a worry.
“I’m sure normal life will come back one day.”
‘Finn is lucky to have a match’
Siobhan revealed that when it is time for Finn to undergo his bone marrow transplant, he will be “lucky” as he already has matches waiting.
But she is well aware this might not have been the case, and that they might have had a fight on their hands to find a suitable match.
“I know there are so many people who struggle – they can wait months and years to find that one person who is right,” she said.
“We will be lucky, but Finn might not have been one of the lucky ones.
“Until you’ve been through something like this, you often don’t realise how important it is to get people signed up to the bone marrow register, and even signed up to give blood.”
A fundraising night for Finn will take place at Aberdeen’s Holburn Bar on July 19.
To find out more or to make a donation contact Vikki on 07583 341884.