Barmaid aims to pull in cash for cancer tot

Lisa’s backing Raise for Rebecca campaign

A barmaid is swapping pulling pints for pulling in lots of cash with a charity fundraiser.

Kindhearted Lisa Cameron normally raises money for Sands stillbirth and neonatal charity with a raffle and karaoke at the Clachan Bar on Neilston Road where she works.

But when she heard about the Raise for Rebecca campaign, she decided to focus her efforts on that instead.

And she’s lined up a sponsored cycle around Millport then a big do at the Gleniffer Hotel.

Mum- of- three Lisa, 35, said: “Sands is something that’s quite personal to us. But this year we heard about the Raise for Rebecca fundraising and thought we’d do something for it instead.

“I contacted her dad and he said that would be great and got us some collection buckets and cans to put out in the pub.

“Our fundraiser is usually just a wee thing in the pub, I’ve never done anything as big as this before.”

A group of pub regulars and Lisa’s family and friends are doing a sponsored cycle around Millport on Saturday, August 18, and the following Saturday the big fundraiser will take place at the Gleniffer Hotel.

She said: “I’ve got a lot of people helping out. One of my friends is a DJ so she’ll be doing the music, we’ll have a facepainter and candy carts for the kids. I’m also getting pink and yellow ribbons made up. Pink is Rebecca’s favourite colour and the campaign colour is yellow so I’m going to sell those for £1 each.

“A few pub regulars are getting their hair shaved and a couple are getting their legs waxed. We’ll have a raffle and an auction as well, I’m getting everything together for that at the moment. I’ve also got someone to do a buffet for me.

“There’s a lot to do but I’m feeling positive about it. Hopefully it’ll be a good night and we’ll raise a lot of money.”

Rebecca’s story has touched the hearts of many across Renfrewshire.

The three-year-old, from Erskine, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma back in January.

Intensive treatment on the NHS could remove the cancer but there is a high risk of it returning.

Her parents Vicky and Chris, with the support of family, friends and the wider Renfrewshire community, are aiming to raise £140,000 to send Rebecca to America for a drug trial which would cut her chances of a relapse to just 10 per cent.

Raise for Rebecca is now welcoming donations via bank transfer to avoid charges from JustGiving.

The name is Miss Rebecca McKenna, the account number is 23995950 and the sort code is 090129.

To keep updated on Rebecca’s journey, follow Raise for Rebecca on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Lisa’s fundraising night is on from 7.30pm till midnight. Tickets are £ 5 for adults, free for under 16. To buy tickets, pop into the Clachan Bar or message through Facebook at www.facebook.com/ events/464505030667891/?ti=icl

A few pub regulars are getting their heads shaved and legs waxed Lisa Cameron