A couple who were determined to make their dying toddler’s last few months special have helped 70 families do the same.
Little Kayleigh Cordiner died in June 2012, just six months after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour.
Her parents, Jonathan and Anna, stopped working so they could make the Oldmeldrum two-year-old’s last few months as special and fun as possible, and also set up a charity to support the families of other terminally ill children.
Kayleigh’s Wee Stars has now helped 70 families, including eight earlier this summer who were each given a share of £25,000 thanks to the support of individuals and businesses from across the north-east.
Fundraisers have offered their support in a range of ways, from sponsored bike rides and runs, to raffles, bake sales and dinner dances.
And last year Mr Cordiner was invited to talk at Simmons and Company International’s annual Sportschallenge event, which resulted in further pledges of support flooding in.
Organisers of the black tie quiz night split last year’s proceeds between four charities, including Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, who used the money to help six families – allowing one four-year-old girl’s wish of seeing fairies to be fulfilled with a trip to Disneyland.
Mr Cordiner, who is originally from Lossiemouth, said: “As a local charity based in Oldmeldrum, we are currently providing support for families where there is a child with a terminal diagnosis, not just in the north-east but across Scotland. In June alone this year, we provided £25,000 to eight brave families.
“In order for us to be able to continue to provide this level of support, we really need the backing of local companies and we were so fortunate to have the support of Simmons through the Sportschallenge event.”
The deputy head teacher and his wife – who had baby Charlotte last year – thanked those who have already backed the charity.
This year’s Sportschallenge will be held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre tonight with 700 guests signed up to take part in the quiz, hosted by former Scottish footballer Alan McInally and sports presenter Jim White.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to Choices Aberdeen, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Mental Health Aberdeen and Maggie’s Aberdeen.