A mother has marked the poignant anniversary of her young daughter’s death by launching a charity in her name to help other families affected by illness.
Eileidh Paterson, who died aged five on July 1 last year, touched hearts across the world during her short life and inspired a massive fundraising campaign when her loved ones sought treatment for her aggressive form of cancer.
Yesterday marked the official launch of the Eileidh Rose Puddles Project, a reference to the nickname given to the Forres youngster due to her love of splashing in puddles.
The family fun day, which sought to capture Eileidh’s vibrant personality, took place at the Village Hotel in Kingswells, Aberdeen.
Large bouncy castles filled the venue’s car park, and the building itself was transformed into a wonderland for hundreds of children.
Excitable youngsters exchanged high fives with convincingly costumed superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man, while others, dressed as Disney princesses, watched in awe at displays of magic as they tucked into tubs of ice cream.
Some even got the chance to swim with performers dressed as mermaids in the hotel pool, a treat Eileidh enjoyed when she got to try out swimming for the first time at the age of four.
For Eileidh’s mum, Gail Paterson, it was a day of mixed emotions as what could have been a sombre occasion became a celebration of her daughter’s bubbly spirit.
The 42-year-old, who is one of four trustees, said the day was “very Eileidh.
“Everything here is stuff that she loved, and everything we do will be with her in mind.
“I have become an expert in several things through Eileidh’s treatment, and I want to use that to help others.”
The charity aims to provide help and assistance to families at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital who have a child younger than 16 with any terminal or life-threatening illness.
Prior to its official launch, Ms Paterson had already arranged for two families to receive financial support.
The organisation also aims to start support sessions where people with experience of having a seriously ill child, or losing a child, can share advice with others going through similar ordeals.
Ultimately, Ms Paterson wants to create a “home away from home” centre where families can spend time with a deceased son or daughter.
