A fundraising campaign to send a mum battling cancer to Spain for pioneering surgery has been launched.
Kathleen Rooney, from Strathpeffer, was first diagnosed with breast cancer almost four years ago and it has spread through her bones and lymph nodes.
Now her daughter Kerry has set up an online fundraising page to help seek the vital £20,000 fee quoted to allow her mother to attend a specialist clinic in Malaga, Spain.
She said: “At the time she was diagnosed, medics gave her a triple dose of chemo and the surgeons removed both of her breasts and the lymph nodes from her left underarm.
“It was just awful. She was really ill, lost her hair and she still gets cramping.
“A few months ago she noticed swelling around the surgical scars on her chest, so went to the doctors where they took a biopsy. They said it was another module that had grown.
“It is really scary when you hear that.”
Ms Rooney’s family were advised that the only possible treatment available through the NHS would include paclitaxel chemotherapy.
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However, the family opted against the treatment after widespread reports suggested the drug was linked to the spreading of cancer cells.
Her daughter said: “That is really the only thing you can get on the NHS so it was really a case of if you don’t go for it then they can’t help you.”
The family conducted extensive research into treatments offered at Budwig Centre in Malaga, which does not include chemotherapy.
So far, in just 12 days, over £7,000 towards the desired £20,000 total for treatment at the centre has been generated.
Miss Rooney launched the campaign with the encouragement of her friends, who saw how a similar fundraiser helped Highland woman Roz Paterson get her treatment.
And her mum admitted she was overwhelmed with the support so far.
“For the first two days I was in tears,” she said. “There have been many donations from people who have very little.
“The giving has been incredible. Not just in terms of money, but with people donating their time and efforts. Total strangers, friends and family – so many different sources have come forward.
“I don’t have the words to emphasise my gratitude to all these people.”
Fundraising events are planned to take place to generate funds, including a sponsored wax in Contin Hall on Saturday from 8pm.