Milton view Strong support for Leanne
There were two stories that dominated the Advertiser’s social media channels this week.
The first was our front page story about Leanne Hawkins.
The 21-year-old, from Blantyre, found out last week that she has cancer in her stomach that cannot be cured and her world was turned upside down.
Now her friends and family have been raising money for her bucket list which includes a trip for her and her family to go to Disneyland Paris.
Leanne, who works at Equi’s Ice Cream in Hamilton, has been receiving treatment at the Beatson and they are hoping to begin chemotherapy sessions to try to contain the tumour.
She said: “The doctor told me I was one of the youngest patients to have a cancer of this kind as it is usually found in older patients, which is a shock.”
A Just Giving page was set up by Leanne’s sister Laura-jane and a target of £5000 was put in place so that Leanne can tick things off her bucket list –one of them being that she and her family can travel to Paris together.
Leanne went with her school, Calderside Academy, in first year then went again three years ago for her 18th birthday as she is a huge Disney fan.
Leanne added: “I would just say to anyone who thinks something is wrong to be persistent with it.”
When asked what else is on her bucket list, Leanne replied: “There are other things I would like to do, such as seeing the Northern Lights, but I don’t want to plan ahead just in case.
“I’m trying to stay positive about it all and make the most of what’s left.
“Everyone has been so generous, the amount of support I have received has been incredible and I just don’t think the news has fully hit me yet.”
Messages of support poured in for Leanne via our social media sites.
Lorraine Mcguire posted on Facebook: “God bless you angel, hope the treatment goes well.”
Yvonne Salton said: “So sad for this young girl. With all the tests could this not be discovered quicker and give this young lady a fighting chance? If it can’t be cured bless this young girl, so unfair.” Akelis Claire said: “Poor girl.” Viv Harkness said: “Sending loads of love.”
Margo Todd said: “God bless you hope your treatment works for you.”
Lesley Anne Carroll said: “So, so, sad, really hope all goes well with her treatment. Too young to have such a horrible illness.” Cath Leckie said: “So sad.” Valerie Talbot said: “Stay positive darling.” Nancy Bennie said: “Prayers.” Vivien Emmett said: “God love you, stay strong.”
Ann M Johnston said: “Hope everything goes ok.”
The second story to get our readers talking was our news about the roadworks set to take place in the town’s Ferniegair.
Resurfacing on Carlisle Road, Ferniegair, will start this Saturday.
The full road closure has angered some drivers.
One motorist, who works as a driving instructor in the area, said: “I travel from Hamilton to Larkhall every day.
“There will be a big knock-on effect from this as the bus service will be hit. To have a total closure, I don’t think it is acceptable.
“Also, if there is an accident on the motorway then the roads will be completely grid-locked.”
However roads bosses say they have tried to minimise the disruption.
Caroline Burke posted: “Not the best planning! Hopefully they get it done during the school holidays and we avoid the insanity of the second week.”
Lee Dee Em posted: “Thank God. We might get peace from speeding eejits on the road!
“If you want to drive faster than 30mph go on the motorway. Everyone who can use the motorway bypass should do this rather than using a residential road.”
Jaqx Bryson posted: “Going to be a nightmare for anyone who uses this road regularly.”
Alan Connelly posted: “It’s an absolute joke how long it takes the council to repair a bit of road – waste of money.”
Nicolle Chance posted: “Nursery run will be fab.”
Stephanie Mcgown posted: “You’ll still get into the nursery if you’re coming from Hamilton no bother.
“Problem will be if you’re coming from Ferniegair or Larkhall; you’ll need to go the motorway and in through Hamilton, the full road will be shut for two weeks.”