Helping others is our best tribute to Danielle
Family set up charity in memory of beloved daughter
Grieving parents have vowed to help others and keep their girl’s memory alive.
Mum Angela McKee, 48, says daughter Danielle would have wanted her to reach out after she died from cancer aged just 23.
She is setting-up a charity to support others battling killer diseases.
Angela has already arranged sponsored cycles, walks and a special party night to celebrate Danielle’s life.
She said: “The turnout was just overwhelming.
“It showed just how many people though of our girl.
“We played her favourite song at the end and everybody was up dancing with their glow sticks.
“Danielle would play it constantly before hitting the town with her pals.
“She would have loved all the attention.”
Angela and hubbie Craig, 48, have helped coin in almost £ 7,000 for worthy causes.
Danielle suffered from rare genetic disorder DiGeorge Syndrome, which ravaged her immune system.
The family are splitting the cash between the Lymphoma Association and the Max Appeal, which helps others with the condition.
DiGeorge syndrome affects just one in 4,000 children and batters the body’s defences, leaving patients more susceptible to illness.
Danielle died two days after being diagnosed with cancer in November.
Her parents and brother Craig, 18, hailed her fighting spirit and told how she was the life and soul of the party.
They have arranged charity golf tournaments and gents’ and ladies’ nights to help bolster their cause from the living room of their home in Paisley’s Donaldswood Park.
Angela added: “We really want to raise awareness around lymphoma.
“It’s so important that patients get an early diagnosis.
“Danielle passed away two days after she go her diagnosis. “She had already spent four weeks in hospital.
“Getting in early is absolutely key in giving the biggest chance in beating it.
“We’re going to keep doing what we are doing to keep ourselves busy and our girl’s memory alive.”
Family and pals want to raise £10,000 by the end of the year and have plans to set-up their own charitable trust.
Danielle, a former Gleniffer High pupil, was hailed a “miracle baby” when she was born.
She was delivered with two holes in her heart – one the size of a 20p piece.
Her parents were told her weakened immune system meant even a kiss could be fatal.
But Danielle grew stronger and developed into a fun-loving girl who loved jetting-off on exotic destinations, watching Celtic and partying.