Grandad set to take a dip for cancer fundraiser
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A DEVOTED grandad is gearing up for a Loch Ness swim to raise awareness of the rare cancer that has struck his eight-year-old granddaughter – and kick-start a fundraising appeal for potentially life-saving overseas treatment.
Inverness Taxis’ owner Gavin Johnston was set to wade into the water at the dock by the Clansman Hotel and head for Dores today in a challenge he hopes will last no longer than three hours.
The 54-year-old of Carron Street in Nairn, whose last successful Loch Ness plunge was more than 10 years ago, knew it would be no mean feat – but every stroke would be worth it.
Speaking ahead of the dip he said: "I don’t exactly swim Loch Ness regularly but in my mind if you’re going to be asking people to donate money or get involved in something you need to be doing something worthy."
Mr Johnston’s granddaughter Amelia-Danni McBean is undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatment at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH).
The Inshes Primary School pupil, who lives at Briargrove Drive in Inshes with her 23-year-old mother Courtnay and one-year-old brother Zane, has Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) – a rare cancer affecting around 50 children a year in the UK.
Amelia-Danni’s vertebrae and femur bone are affected and she may have to undergo weekly chemotherapy on the NHS for the next two years.
But there is another private treatment described as ground-breaking which is understood to be currently only available overseas, and the family have launched a fundraising campaign.
Her cancer diagnosis was a double-blow for the family.
The little girl lost her dad in a car accident months before she was born.
Trials cyclist Danny McBean was 16 when he died in a crash on the A862 Inverness to Beauly road in 2009.
Ms Johnston launched a fund to raise more than £3000 towards a bike and skate park at Bught Park in his memory.
Mr Johnston’s swim is planned for this Sunday with two of his boat-owning friends by his side.
The event aims to raise awareness and secure donations for future overseas cancer treatment at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
Mr Johnston said everyone was worried about little Amelia-Danni.
And he is still reeling from the diagnosis.
"I was driving when Courtnay called me to tell me what they found in her. I had to pull over to compose myself. It was just the worst news ever. It was just a horrible call."
He added: "I’m just doing what any grandad would do."
To support Amelia-Danni visit www.youcaring.com/ameliadannijohnston-1143047
