A young toddler who has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia has sent a heart wrenching letter to Santa asking for her hair back after several rounds of chemotherapy.
Macy, 4, has been receiving treatment from the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh after being diagnosed in January earlier this year. As part of the hospital’s charity drive, sick children in their care are sending their Santa letters to residents in the capital as part of a charity drive.
In the letter to Santa, the young girl said that she wanted her hair to grow back like her mummy’s, the Daily Record reports.
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Mum, Gillian, said: “Due to Macy’s chemotherapy treatment, she has lost her lovely blonde hair which she has found really hard. Her wish this year is for her hair to grow back long enough so she can put it in a ponytail just like mine.
“We are also hoping that she will feel a little bit better as last Christmas she was very poorly. She had frequent colds prior to her diagnosis and just wasn’t in the mood to play with any of her toys."
Macy will see her note sent to locals in Edinburgh along with other young people’s letters who are staying at the hospital. They have shared their wishes with capital residents as they say that Santa cannot make their dreams come true by himself.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) are asking on behalf of the families relying on their care and who will not be at home for Christmas this year for others to bring a little magic into their lives.
The ‘Redirected Letters to Santa’ campaign will ask for supporters to make a gift that will support those staying in the hospital over the festive period.
Gillian added: “Throughout Macy’s treatment, the care and kindness from her nurses, all of the NHS Lothian teams we’ve met and the support from ECHC, as well as lots of other charities, has been phenomenal.
"It really has made our hospital journey that little bit easier and we are so very grateful to all those who have stood beside us during the most difficult times.”
Pippa Johnston, Director at ECHC, said: “The reality is that some children and young people have to be in hospital over Christmas, so what should be a time of magic and laughter becomes a time of worry – for them and their families.
“While we can’t take away their pain, we can deliver some happiness. Together with our friends in the NHS, we work hard to make sure no child or young person misses out on the joy of the festive season.
“You don’t need a sleigh, or reindeer, or a white beard, but some letters will need more than Santa’s help. We are asking the people of Edinburgh to make a donation to help deliver magic and make Christmas in hospital that little bit easier for children and families.”
To make a donation to ECHC’s ‘Redelivered Letters to Santa’ appeal, please click here.
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