Tremendous response to appeal to help little Lenny and family after leukaemia diagnosis

A Cromdale couple have said they are overwhelmed by the support they are receiving after their two-year-old daughter started out on her arduous treatment for leukaemia.

Lenny McConnell was recently diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) –a type of blood cancer – and is now undergoing chemotherapy at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.

More than £10,000 has now been raised by supporters in just a few days – four times as much as the original target – on a JustGiving Page set up by family friend Craig Rose who is to walk the West Highland Way soon with friends in return for the funds.

The money will be used by Lenny's parents Barry and Claire Findlay to help with accommodation and other living costs and to support the charities assisting them through the ordeal.

The couple – who have two other children Andrew (8) and Alba (5) – will be based in Aberdeen for the next eight weeks at least whilst Lenny's treatment continues.

Barry (30), who works for Walkers Shortbread in Aberlour, said: "Lenny's skin was always pale but you do not think for one minute that they are going to turn around and tell you that it is leukaemia."

Speaking to the Strathy from hospital in Aberdeen, Barry said of the generosity shown to them: "It has taken us aback – we don't have the words to thank people enough."

He said: "We are over here for eight weeks or so. Lenny is going through quite intense chemotherapy at the moment.

"Her treatment started last Tuesday and she is receiving intravenous chemotherapy into her spine."

Lenny will then undergo immunotherapy treatment every other day with the courses getting more intense. This takes place in four or five phases over a two-and-half year period.

Barry said: "If Lenny reacts well she will be moved to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for her second phase so we will be closer to home and we can be with our two other children."

The family have been told by medics they will know if the chemotherapy is working after nearly a month of treatment when Lenny has a bone marrow aspiration procedure.

The hope is that the tot makes remission otherwise she will be put onto a stronger regime of treatment.

Barry said it was Claire's persistence and 'her mother's instinct' which eventually led to the diagnosis. "Claire knew something was not right after she first fell ill around November, last year."

He said: "It was a bit of a roller-coaster before getting her diagnosis.

"We went through seven weeks of bone marrow aspirations (in Aberdeen) under general anaesthetic to check her cells; she was in and out of hospital four or five times; she had high temperatures and persistent fevers.

"We could not get her off the antibiotics."

Medics had hoped to treat Lenny without putting her through chemotherapy but Barry said: "Unfortunately there wasn't an alternative. They have tried everything but now she is in the best place.

"It is obviously very difficult for Lenny – it is using a toxin to kill a toxin. We have been told she will get a lot worse before it gets better."

The blood cancer ALL starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Adults and children can get it but it is most often diagnosed in younger people.

Craig Rose, who now lives in Dunfermline but has spent most of his life in Aviemore, has been blown away by the response to his appeal. He has known the family from a young age.

He said: "I've got a 13 year old daughter (Sophie) and it struck a chord with me.

"I was dwelling on this for a few days thinking how I could help but was nervous about contacting the family as obviously they have an awful lot to deal with.

"But I sent Barry a message wishing him all the best.

"I flagged up the walk that I had already arranged with my friends and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to give something back and help the family whilst they are going through this rough patch."

The 41-year-old off-shore control room operator based off Shetland said: "I was a bit worried it would not take off whilst I was setting the page up from my cabin off-shore but it really kicked off.

"As I said on the page, I know a lot of people are already struggling because of the cost of living crisis so it is really moving that people are donating whatever they can.

"A heartfelt thanks to everyone. Although Barry and Claire are still trying to get to grips with what is happening I know that they are very moved by the support."

Craig will be joined by brother Alan (Glasgow), Campbell Graham (Glasgow), David Orr (Aviemore), Fergus Leith (Aviemore) and Seamus Doyle (originally from Aviemore) on the 100-mile walk of the scenic West Highland Way.

They will leave Milngavie on June 13 and aim to finish at Fort William on June 18.

Craig said: "Once Lenny is back to full health we hope we can raise enough for the family to have a short break too."

Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lennymcconnelljustgiving or by scanning this QR code

A heartfelt thank you

Barry and Claire, who works for Pentland Land Rover in Elgin, have expressed their gratitude to all those who have supported them in recent months.

They said in a statement: "We would to thank everyone that has sent messages of concern and well wishes and to everyone that has kindly donated to the JustGiving page and also to the guys for signing up to do the charity walk.

"It gives us lots of strength knowing that so many people care and want to help.

"Having seen how much the charities help in these circumstances. There is absolutely no doubt that we will be forwarding part of these funds onto them."

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