Finger licking fundraiser for children's cancer charity
From left: Alison Gordon with her six-year-old son Ben and Sarah McIntosh from Harry Gows.
CLIC Sargent’s support for the families of children with cancer in the Highlands has received a tasty treat from local baker Harry Gow.
The bakery and confectionery business, based in Smithton, Inverness is selling handcrafted fairy cakes in all of it’s 16 outlets with half the proceeds going to the charity during the month of May.
Six year-old cancer patient Ben Gordon from Castle Heather, Inverness was guest of honour quality controller when the cakes were launched this week.
Ben was diagnosed with a tumour in his chest in June 2009 and ended up in Aberdeen’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
His cousin Euan Macrae from Tain tragically died from cancer aged 16 in 2007.
Ben’s mum Alison described how the diagnosis came as a complete shock to the family. “He began chemotherapy immediately to remove the tumour in his chest and this was hard to watch because the chemotherapy made him sick, but he responded well to his treatment”
Ben spent three months in hospital with his mum by his side. Alison had to give up her work at Scottish Water and dad Dougie, who works in the same office, was able to temporarily relocate to Aberdeen. Ben’s brother, 14 month old Kyle was cared for by his grandparents in Inverness.
“Apart from the emotional challenges, all the day to day stuff is very complicated as well because of the uncertainties. I keep four diaries so that I could remember what each member of the family is doing on any particular day, “Alison added. “On occasions, Ben’s temperature would go up or his blood counts would be very low and he would have to go back into hospital, which means plans are constantly changing”
Throughout Ben’s ordeal, help came from the UK’s leading cancer charity, CLIC Sargent. A nurse and social worker in Aberdeen provide much needed help and support.
“It was invaluable,” said Alison. “The social worker can assist with financial issues, so we received help for funding transport back and forth to Aberdeen and the nurse was always there to answer questions and explain things. Ben is doing fine now but we still have to go into the children’s oncology clinic at Raigmore regularly for check ups and ongoing treatment.”
Peter Logie, CLIC Sargent’s Community Fundraising Manager for Highlands & Islands and Moray commented: “A sudden diagnosis turns a family’s world upside down and then they have to spend many months away from home, quite often splitting the family for a while. It is a rollercoaster journey. CLIC Sargent is there to help.
Jane McIntosh Director at Harry Gow’s stated “I am well aware of what a fantastic job CLIC Sargent does for families in such difficult circumstances. I first became aware of their work through the support they gave to Ben’s cousin Euan from Tain and his family when Euan was being treated for cancer.”
“Sadly Euan died in 2007 aged 16, but the family have become great ambassadors for the charity. I am delighted that we are able to help them in this manner.”
