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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Thom

Town rallies round for Ayrshire lad's cancer appeal as £100k milestone reached

An Ayrshire town has rallied round "one of their own" as they helped reach a fundraising milestone for a brave boy's cancer appeal.

Troon residents dug deep for Calum Rae who is currently undergoing gruelling treatment for high risk neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer.

The four-year-old “Rae of sunshine” needs £250,000 to go to New York for a specialist vaccine which could save his life.

And the community showed their overwhelming support as his fundraiser hit the big time with more than £120,000 now raised, with the £100,000 mark being hit earlier this week. His family confirmed the achievement on their Facebook page Calum, Our Rae of Sunshine.

A statement was posted along with a heartwarming video thanking various groups or individuals who all helped.

It comes after a community car wash was held by two traders desperate to help Calum's cause thanks to Ross Weir owner Doghouse Installations and Pamela Main owner of popular takeaway Scran.

The two businesses joined forces to hold the successful car wash at Portland Park which raised £989 for Calum.

Meanwhile, Calum's nursery Granny Smith's showed their support as they marched through the town and along the beachfront. Hundreds lined the shore for a special Paw Patrol Stroll, inspired by the hit Children’s TV series, including young ones and parents of the early years centre.

Jen Pollok of Granny Smith's Nursery has supported Calum and mum Victoria through his cancer battle (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

And the unique parade cashed in an incredible £5,315 for the cause. Nursery practitioner Jen Pollok arranged the walk after admitting Calum’s diagnosis sent shockwaves through the nursery.

Jen told Ayrshire Live: “We had to do something for him. He’s one of our own. We’re all a family here at Granny Smith's. The whole nursery is still in shock over what he is going through. He's so brave and he still comes to visit."

Mum Victoria McDonald says the fundraising milestone has been a major boost as Calum continues to bravely battle against cancer.

Victoria: "It was quite emotional (when I found out). I was out with some of the girls who are helping us fundraise.

"Someone sent me a picture of it, we all got quite emotional together. We didn't think we'd be here at this point.

"It keeps us all going. It's amazing that we've hit it so fast. We're so grateful and thankful. It's ust amazing, all the time we are still focusing on Calum. It's a boost, it's such a positive."

You can donate to Calum Rae's appeal here.

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