A brave Moray primary schoolgirl, who has recovered from cancer, is urging people across Scotland to clear out their wardrobes to help save other people’s lives.
Ehryn Andrews from Elgin has been treated successfully for bone cancer, and is now supporting the Give Up Clothes for Good campaign for Cancer Research UK.
The initiative asks people across the country to donate their unwanted garments to raise funds for research into cures and better treatments for cancers affecting thousands of youngsters such as Ehryn in the UK.
The seven-year-old was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2014, and doctors said it was unlikely she would walk again after she endured surgery to remove the tumour.
Sepsis and the side effects of her chemotherapy irreparably damaged her heart and, last summer, the courageous youngster needed a heart transplant at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
But now, against all the odds, Ehryn has learned to walk again and is back to enjoying her love of art, swimming, drama and brownies, as well as playing with her big brother Ryan, aged 10.
Her mum Lyanne, a staff nurse at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, said: “When we were told Ehryn had bone cancer, we were terrified that we were going to lose her.
“But she is such a little fighter. She coped with months of treatment with unbelievable bravery, strength and resilience – despite all the things she was missing out on while she was ill.
“My husband Ross and I are amazed by Ehryn every single day. Our little girl was told she would never walk again but here she is running around.
“We’re so grateful for the treatment that saved Ehryn’s life. Success stories like ours would not be possible without Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work, which in turn relies on everyone who raises crucial funds.”
Working with the clothing firm TK Maxx, the charity’s Give Up Clothes for Good campaign urges people to bring bags of old clothes to any TK Maxx store where they will be sold on to raise cash for vital research.
To find out more visit www.cruk.org/kidsandteens
