The mum of a Lanarkshire schoolboy who fought an aggressive form of blood cancer is aiming to raise vital cash to help provide equipment for the ward which saved her son's life.
Eleven-year-old Mark Cannon - known as 'Wee Mark' - was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last August.
Now his mum Sharlene, along with three work friends, are doing the Kiltwalk later this month to raise funds to buy specialised pumps that distribute life-saving cancer treatment.
They will be used in the Schiehallion ward of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where Mark spent six long months battling cancer.
And the preparations for the April 24 challenge have started for Sharlene and friends Sandra Garry, Danielle McKendrick and Anne Barr, who will form 'Wee Mark's Minions'.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "I was walking an average of five to eight miles around the backroads of Strathaven but ended up back in the hospital with the wee fella.
"I had also started back at the gym but will be in hospital with Mark until they get to the bottom of things.
"I have done a 'Pretty Muddy' event for Cancer Research before lockdown and Mark was diagnosed but never a Kiltwalk."
It was against all the odds that the Strathaven schoolboy pulled through despite a battle fraught with a series of major complications including sepsis, multiple seizures and even sight loss leaving Sharlene and his dad, also Mark, fearing the wort at times.
His incredible bravery saw him receive personal messages of support from footballing heroes such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard while he received treatment.
Mark has also received well-wishes from the Celtic team and manager and the likes of Scott Brown, as well as a Manchester United shirt signed by the whole team.
Although in remission from leukaemia, Mark has had to endure another stint in hospital due to a chest infection but is keeping his spirits up after a video message yesterday from Celtic player, Greg Taylor.
Sharlene added: "Wee Mark is such an inspiration to us all - he has learned how to walk again as he was in a wheelchair full-time.
"He is called the 'little engine' because of his can-do attitude and has a further two and a half years of treatment ahead.
"Mark is only here today because of the dedicated staff of the Schiehallion ward.
"We hope to raise some funds for the ward so that they are able to buy specialised equipment to help save other children's lives.
"Cancer now affects one in four people - in your lifetime you will personally be affected in some form by this most devastating of illnesses.
"The Schiehallion treats children not just from all over Scotland but the whole of the UK due to the reputation of their fabulous staff and any support we receive will make a massive difference to a child fighting for their ability to live and grow old."
To support Sharlene's team go to their fundraising page.
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