Hundreds of donors have joined the stem cell register after attending a tea party for an inspirational toddler.
Little Adeline Davidson is fighting a rare form of blood cancer and is expected to undergo a life-saving transplant soon.
The two-year-old’s family were stunned at the response to a fundraising event in Balloch, near Inverness.
As well as raising more than £7000, everyone who attended the event in the village hall gave a sample of DNA.
The cheek swabs were taken by volunteers from blood cancer charity DKMS.
The volunteers will be called upon if they come up as potential match for someone who needs a stem cell transplant.
Adeline, of Alness, Ross-shire, does not have a 100 per cent match for her in the UK.
A total of 15 people with a tissue type that matches hers were found on the stem cell register. Just three are in the UK.
Adeline’s parents Steph and Jordan have been told not to worry as the matches have a strong chance of helping their daughter.
Jordan, 27, hopes the tea party last Saturday will have raised the profile of such a vital cause and improved other patients’ chances of finding a donor match.
He said: “It was such an amazing atmosphere, with tea and cakes and people milling about.
“I was speaking to people all day long. I couldn’t believe so many total strangers gave up their Saturday to come to the hall and sign up. We just can’t thank people enough.”
Adeline’s grandmother, Lorraine Davidson, 52, said: “We are so grateful to everyone, especially Steph McAlley-Douglas, who was the main organiser.
“Steph and I met at one of her own fundraising events for her three-year-old son Sam, who’s been diagnosed with a neurological condition.
“It was Steph who suggested we do the donor drive. She volunteered to organise it.
“I couldn’t believe it when so many people turned up. I was overwhelmed. It was such an emotional day. I thanked Steph at the end and it really brought it home to me why we were doing it.
"It’s for Adeline and others like her. As a family, we are so very grateful.”
