In just a matter of days, over £15,000 has been amassed on a crowdfunding platform to help support a little girl from Aghalee through cancer treatment.
The JustGiving page, launched by close family friend Nikki McNally, was initially set with a target of £1,000 to support five-year-old Grace McConville following diagnosis of a “rare and aggressive form of cancer”.
Grace’s parents, Damian and Kirsty were first alerted to something untoward when she fell ill at the end of November resulting in three separate trips to Craigavon’s Accident & Emergency department within five days.
The youngster was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and dehydration before being admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Once there, a series of tests, scans and surgeries revealed the real cause of Grace’s symptoms and her family were given the devastating news that she had cancer.
A “long period” of treatment will now be administered between Belfast and England.
And, while the fundraising will undoubtedly ease the financial burden associated with treatment, Grace’s “heartbroken” parents have also asked for her to be kept “in thoughts and prayers that the treatment does what it needs to and we get our Grace back fighting fit again”.
They added: “Never did we ever think as parents we would ever have to walk this path or even have to write about dealing with it.
“We are so grateful for the family and friends that have helped and supported us so far in this new journey we have ahead.
“We would also like to thank Dr Chris who made the swift decision to admit Grace that first night and all the staff in the Blossom Unit.
“Also to our new medical team Dr Johnston and all the staff in the children’s cancer ward in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
“To our special friends who are basically like family to us Nikki and Scott, thank you for everything you have done so far.”
Click here to make a donation to Grace’s JustGiving page
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