A West Lothian schoolgirl who is fighting brain cancer was treated to a magical experience with some of her favourite feathered friends.
Harry Potter fan Ellie Beattie was delighted when Archie and Willie from Alba Falconry brought a selection of birds of prey to her home.
Ellie (14), was diagnosed in 2019 with metastatic pineoblastoma and leptomeningeal disease and has endured numerous bouts of radiotherapy and brain operations.
But while her family were relieved to have a diagnosis so that treatment could start, they were crushing revelation that the tumour was inoperable so they have been trying to make as many precious memories as they can for her.
And so when the team at Alba Falconry read about brave Ellie in the Courier, they decided they wanted to help and brought a wonderful selection of birds to her garden — including Ellie’s favourite owls.
Her mum Elaine said: “Ellie got a lovely surprise. This was a massive secret.
“They brought with them their owls and a hawk. Her face was a picture when she saw the owls totally over the moon . We all had turns holding the owls and hawk.
“Archie and Willie were absolutely brilliant. We made a really special memory for Ellie and new friends that had read about Ellie in the Courier and wanted to do something special for her.
“It was a really fun afternoon, especially as Stuart the photographer with the Courier was a bit scared of the birds but eventually held the smallest and largest owls at the end.
“Thank you Archie and Willie for such a lovely afternoon. Making memories this year has been hard but glad Covid didn’t stop this one from happening.”
Archie from Alba Falconry said they were delighted to do something so special for Ellie.
He added: “I read about Ellie in the paper and it just got to me that she is so young and has gone through so much.
“Ellie’s face when she saw the birds, so that was enough payment for me. Her face lit up so much.”
