von Big John » Do 1. MĂ€r 2012, 13:52
Vanessa Appeal hits ÂŁ500k target
By: Newsroom Staff on 01 Mar, 2012 09:36
THE Vanessa Riddle Appeal has hit the ÂŁ500,000 target needed to send the 11-year-old to the United States for specialised cancer treatment.
Earlier this year, Vanessa and her parents, Connie and Chris visited Lennoxtown Training Centre, where she got to meet some of her Celtic heroes.
And at the League Cup semi-final, supporters of Celtic and Falkirk generously donated to the collection taken up outside Hampden ahead of the match.
Dad Chris said: âWeâre absolutely elated that weâve reached the target so quickly. All the good people of Scotland have been absolutely astounding and got us there.â
Brave Vanessa was diagnosed in February 2008 with Neuroblastoma, a very rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, which is difficult to treat and affects fewer than 100 children in the UK.
Since that day, the 11-year-old has endured many different and painful treatments at Glasgowâs Yorkhill Hospital.
These have included 12 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, two seven-hour operations, the removal of one her kidneys, a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, retinoic acid treatment and immunotherapy.
After being given the all-clear in August 2010, routine scans last month revealed that Vanessa had relapsed. Doctors gave the Troon youngsterâs chances of survival at âmuch less than 10 per centâ, devastating news for her and her parents.
With no treatment available in the UK, their only remaining option was to head to the United States. At a cost of ÂŁ500,000, though, it was something they simply couldnât afford.
So they started an online appeal which has swiftly gathered momentum, with Vanessaâs story capturing the hearts and minds of the Celtic family and beyond.
Neil Lennon, who gave them a personal tour of the training facility, was moved after meeting the youngster and keen to lend the clubâs support to their cause.
The manager said: âIt was a privilege to welcome Vanessa and her family to Lennoxtown, and we hope it brought some respite to her at a very difficult and challenging time.
âIt was very humbling to meet Vanessa, and the players and I can only admire her bravery in how she has battled against this terrible illness.
âWe can only imagine what Vanessa and her family have had to deal with and the resilience they have shown. Sheâs shown tremendous courage and is an example to us all.â
PROUD TO BE IN THE CELTIC FAMILY
MARTIN O'NEILL - LEGEND