A Moray mum whose toddler fought an aggressive cancer has backed a controversial soap plot about an infant facing the disease.
Gail Paterson’s three-year-old daughter Eileidh was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma last year, and though she is now clear of the illness she still has to endure intensive hospital treatments.
This week, Coronation Street launched an emotional plotline in which Fiz Brown discovered her five-year-old daughter has the same form of childhood cancer.
Some viewers have criticised the hard-hitting scenes as being in poor taste, and have vowed not to watch.
But Ms Paterson, who lives in Forres, believes the storyline could save lives by raising awareness of how the cancer affects youngsters.
Ms Paterson said: “Maybe if a TV show such as Coronation Street had broadcast a storyline like this last year I would have known what neuroblastoma was and how to spot the signs in Eileidh.
“It’s a big “what if”, but maybe she wouldn’t have had to go through so much if we’d noticed it before it spread.”
“It’s going to be extremely difficult for me to watch these scenes, and I had a lump in my throat when the diagnosis was made, but awareness is so important.
“As a nation we need to be more aware of how to recognise the signs of childhood cancer and this could save a lot of lives.”
A Coronation Street spokeswoman thanked Ms Paterson for her support.
She said: “As a soap we aim to portray stories that affect the lives of ordinary people every day and this one is no different.
“Cancer is sadly something that touches many families.
“Having decided to cover a subject matter like this we worked very hard to ensure it was done accurately and sensitively.
“It is important for us to have the support of parents like Ms Paterson and we are grateful for her comments.”
Little Eileidh was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma last May.
After months of rigorous procedures to rid her of the disease, the toddler was given the all-clear this June.
But four out of five youngsters who conquer the condition suffer a relapse.
With this in mind, Ms Paterson launched a fundraising crusade to enable Eileidh to participate in a groundbreaking American drugs trial designed to lower that risk.
People from all over the north-east rallied behind the cause and amassed £100,000 so that Eiliedh could take part in the scheme.