A Moray family has been overwhelmed by the public support they have received in raising money for specialist cancer treatment in America for a one-year-old child.
More than 300 well-wishers packed into Speymouth Hall in Mosstodloch at the weekend and amassed £3,500 for little Emma Allan in just two hours.
Her mother, Sonja, missed the “stand up for Emma” event, because the youngster was only released from hospital in Edinburgh on Saturday evening after her latest round of chemotherapy.
But Miss Allan’s parents, Liz and Gordon, who live in the village, brought the infant’s devoted brother Ewan, 6, along to the fundraiser and explained they were “moved” by the support for the family.
Lifelong friends arranged a morning of games, cakes and raffles in the hall, which only has about 150 seats, to raise funds for radiotherapy treatment in Florida.
Miss Allan, 36, said: “People have been amazing – you really don’t know how nice people are. Everyone has wanted to do something to help.
“Even people I don’t know have been asking to organise events. I got emotional when I heard how much was raised.
“This is Emma’s second lot of chemotherapy. She’s doing a lot better this time, which is really good. It was great to be able to take her home again though. Her eyes just light up with a smile when she sees all her own things.”
Miss Allan moved to Fife with her long-term partner, Stephen Beggs, in 2004. On Saturday night a fundraising dance in her adopted hometown, Lochgelly, collected another £2,100 to go towards the life-changing proton radiotherapy treatment, which will reduce the chances of a relapse.
The family has been told they will need at least £8,000 for the specialist care and to pay for the three-month visit in Florida.
Emma, who will turn two in May, is now spending a week at home before returning to hospital for another round of chemotherapy.
Miss Allan’s childhood friend, Debbie Murdoch, who lives in Logie, near Forres, helped organise the Mosstodloch event.
She added: “We all grew up together and Sonja was my best friend. We just all want the best for Emma to give her the chance to grow up and make friends herself.
“We’ve all got children now and we can’t stand back and see a wee one going without treatment when there’s a chance to make her better.”
Donations can still be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sonja-allan-1.
