Ayrshire family appeal to Scottish football fans for help
Sunday 29th January 2012
A family from Troon, Ayrshire are appealing to Scottish football fans to help them raise £500,000 for their 11-year-old daughter's cancer treatment.
Celtic fan Vanessa Riddle, who suffers from an aggressive childhood cancer called neuroblastoma, urgently needs lifesaving treatment in America. Last week, her parents Connie and Chris Riddle launched an appeal with the Neuroblastoma Children's Cancer Alliance, a UK charity, to raise money for Vanessa's treatment.
"Doctors have said that Vanessa's survival chances in the UK are much less than 10 percent," said Chris Riddle. "If we take her to America, her chances of survival will be dramatically higher. We are so grateful for any donation that people can make to help us give our little girl a better chance of life."
The family have already raised over £100,000 towards Vanessa's treatment costs, but still have a long way to go.
"I'm absolutely delighted with how much money we've raised so far - it feels like the whole of Scotland is behind us," said Chris. "Scottish football fans have already shown us massive support so far and I would love for it to continue to help us get this young Scottish lassie the treatment she needs."
Vanessa was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February 2009, when she was eight years old. Neuroblastoma only affects around 100 children a year, but accounts for 15 percent of cancer deaths in children.
Since being diagnosed, Vanessa has undergone gruelling treatment at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, including 12 rounds of chemotherapy, two seven-hour surgical operations, the removal of one of her kidneys and stem cell transplant. She finished her treatment in August 2010 and was given the all clear.
But in December 2011, after a routine scan, her family were given the devastating news that Vanessa had relapsed and that her survival chances in the UK were very low.
To donate to Vanessa's appeal with the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK, visit http://www.justgiving.com/vanessa-appeal or text VANY99 £10 to 70070.
*If you are able to help Vanessa in any other way, such as by organising a fundraising event, please contact the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK on 020 8203 0100 or info@nballiance.org.uk.
CAN COLLECTION
There will be a can collection at both Semi-Final ties in aid of the above Appeal and all money raised will help Vanessa go for lifesaving treatment in America. Vanessa suffers from an aggressive childhood cancer called neuroblastoma and urgently needs treatment.
