Kirrie family urges support for the charity that made a dream come true
A Kirriemuir family is urging people across the county to get behind a Christmas giving campaign and support the charity that granted their daughter a magical wish, following years of treatment for a brain tumour.
Leah McDonald, 15, and mum Elaine Coller are supporting this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. Running until Tuesday, December 9, it will raise money on behalf of Rays of Sunshine, the charity which grants wishes to seriously ill children across the UK.
The charity is close to their hearts, after it granted Leah’s dream wish earlier this year to experience an immersive trip into the world of Harry Potter. Leah was diagnosed initially with a brain tumour when she was just five, and again at 11. Treatment has been long and difficult, leaving her with visual impairment and knocking her confidence.
She was introduced to Rays of Sunshine by her nursing team. Leah’s favourite books are the Harry Potter series, and throughout her treatment she used the books to escape her hospital room and go on adventures. Knowing how special the story was to her, Leah’s Rays of Sunshine wish granter planned the perfect experience for a Harry Potter superfan.
She was flown from Edinburgh to London, and welcomed to Georgian House Hotel for a stay in their Wizarding World-themed rooms.
The following day brought a behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros. Studios and Leah’s wish was rounded off with a shopping spree in the gift shop.
Elained said: “It was so nice to be able to switch off and trust that Rays of Sunshine had planned everything. We didn’t need to worry – every detail was so special.”
During the Big Give, all donations are doubled, meaning supporters' generosity will have twice the impact.
Amy Chambers, Rays of Sunshine CEO, said: “The demand for wishes is higher than ever, and every donation will help us brighten the lives of seriously ill children this Christmas and beyond. We hope Leah’s story inspires people across Angus to support the campaign and have their donations doubled.”
To support the campaign, go to raysofsunshine.org.uk/biggive.