The aunt of a Dumfries baby diagnosed with cancer is getting on her bike to raise cash for a charity that has supported the family.
Susan Kearney said she was “dumbfounded” when she was told in June her little niece Orla had retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye.
She was diagnosed after dad Thomas Kearney, 31, and mum Morgan Gillan, 21, noticed she had a slight squint and decided to get it checked.
Orla has since been receiving treatment at Dumfries Infirmary, Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The tot, who celebrated her first birthday on Monday, has spent more time in hospital than she has at home recently.
Nurse Susan, 29, said: “I was at work when I was told about Orla and knew I had to leave and head straight home to be with my family. We are very close and we needed to be together.
“Orla is doing as well as can be expected following her third round of chemo and is still full of smiles. Her big, beautiful smile certainly makes the heartache that little bit easier.”
Susan decided to raise funds for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) which has supported the family following Orla’s diagnosis.
She said: “CHECT is constantly trying to find new research into the condition and financially help thousands of families with accommodation, information and a friendly face when patients are in hospital. Orla has to make a 510 mile round trip for her treatment – from Dumfries to Birmingham and then to Glasgow.
“I had a crazy idea of cycling that distance to raise money for the charity.”
Susan started her challenge on Monday and over the next few weeks will cycle from the River Clyde to Loch Lomond, around Millport with her work colleagues as well as a mixture of cycling outside and in the gym to clock up the miles.
Despite having a target of £150, she’s already raised nearly £1,000.
She said: “I appreciate all the kindness of people including strangers who are donating so generously, despite the current living crisis with money.”
Susan, Orla’s other aunt Gill and gran Angela, have also donated blood to show their support to the NHS for caring for Orla and urged others to do the same.
Susan said: “We will continue donating blood in Orla’s honour which we can do every four months and as a family, we still encourage everyone to do the same as it’s so easy and takes less than an hour.”
After completing the cycling challenge, Susan plans to spend time with Orla and her big sister Isla.
To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Susan-Kearney1
