Bravecancermum makingmemories
A BRAVE mum who is battling a deadly brain tumour is on a mission to make lots of memories with family and friends after discovering she may only have months to live.
Leighanne Sanderson, 38, from Renfrew, was told she had the tumour at the beginning of last year.
At that stage, doctors said she had between 18 months and five years to live.
But, last month, Leighanne was given the devastating news that treatment aimed at reducing the size of the tumour hadn’t worked.
That left her facing a heartbreaking decision to either try other treatments which might help but make her seriously ill, or simply focus on the time she would have left without further intervention.
Leighanne, who is proud mum to 15-year-old son Kieran, opted for the latter.
Now the Renfrew community is pulling together to raise money so she can create happy memories with her loved ones.
More than £2,500 has already been raised, with donations being handed over.
Among those who have offered support is Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands, who went to St James’ Primary School, i n Renfrew, with Leighanne as a child.
Leighanne plans to use the fund to visit places such as Millport, have a cocktail party and enjoy plenty of days out with her son, and nieces and nephews.
She told our sister title The Gazette: “I was devastated when the doctors told me the tumour had grown.
“We did not expect that at all but I’m just trying to keep going and make the most of the time I have left.
“I’ve started making plans with my family to go away together to Stirling and I want to go to the cinema and bowling with my son and nieces and nephews.
“I’m extremely touched by all the donations. Gavin’s donation was lovely as I went to school with him.”
Leighanne’s sister, Katie Sanderson, is helping to co-ordinate the fundraising drive.
She said: “We are trying to come to terms with it all but we’ve set up a JustGiving page and want to make lots of memories with Leighanne. I can’t believe how much has been raised so far. Her story seems to have touched a lot of people and she is obviously well liked.”