A Moray mum is campaigning for local landmarks to be illuminated in gold to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
Gail Paterson is championing a national appeal which aims to transform the appearance of recognisable Scottish buildings during September.
Ms Paterson’s daughter Eileidh was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a high-risk form of childhood cancer, two years ago.
After battling through intensive treatments, she finally conquered the condition last summer.
As her daughter’s treatment reached an end, Ms Paterson launched an appeal to raise £100,000 so that she could embark on a course of medication in America designed to prevent the condition from returning.
She was delighted when the collection surpassed its target, largely due to generous residents from Moray and the north-east who emptied their pockets to assist the courageous youngster.
Eileidh celebrated her fourth birthday in March and is now on the mend.
Her mum is determined to make other parents aware of the signs of childhood cancer.
Ms Paterson said it would be fitting if landmarks in Moray were bathed in golden light as part of the Glow Gold September drive.
She earmarked the Landshut Bridge on Elgin’s Newmill Road and the town’s legendary Lady Hill monument as ideal locations for the scheme.
“So many people in Moray were so generous towards Eileidh and I, it would only seem right that buildings here are part of Glow Gold September”, she said.
“Childhood cancer is still such a taboo subject, and we need to raise awareness as much as we can.
“I never thought it would happen to us, I’d never heard of neuroblastoma before Eileidh was diagnosed.
“The earlier it can be caught, the better chance that child has.”
Ms Paterson said that Eileidh is still affected by her cancer battle and the treatments she underwent to combat the disease.
A series of chemotherapy sessions damaged Eileidh’s teeth, and yesterday she underwent a procedure to have dental caps fitted.
The youngster will return to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Michigan in July for her next round of preventative drugs.
Edinburgh Castle, the Kelpies structure in Falkirk, His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen and the SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow will all be illuminated gold during September.
Local businesses who wish to take part are asked to e-mail Ms Paterson at pussycat5176@hotmail.co.uk
