The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Young Montrose football fan’s goal to raise money
Schoolboy fighting leukaemia chosen to launch store’s fundraising campaign
A Tayside schoolboy battling cancer, with dreams of making it as a top footballer, has vowed to help save lives.
Aiden Marshall, 11, had completed only three training sessions with the Montrose Youth FC when his world was shattered with the news he had been diagnosed with leukaemia.
It meant putting his life on hold and enduring chemotherapy and eight blood transfusions as part of three years of treatment.
This September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Aiden has been chosen in Scotland to launch TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes For Good campaign, in support of Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People.
Aiden and his family are urging people to help more children and young people survive cancer by donating pre-loved quality clothes, accessories and homeware they no longer need to their nearest TK Maxx store.
When sold in Cancer Research UK shops, each bag of items donated could raise up to £30 to help fund dedicated research in to children’s and young people’s cancers.
Aiden, a first year pupil at Montrose Academy, is one of around 350 youngsters in Scotland diagnosed with cancer every year.
His parents, Theresa and Jon, know first-hand how important research is in helping to save more lives.
Theresa said: “Aiden is still here, still fighting and he’s my hero.
“Every parent dreads to hear the news their child has cancer but I’m so proud of how Aiden has dealt with whatever life throws at him.”
She said since Aiden was a toddler he’s always had a ball at his feet.
“It’s been all about football forever and I know he’s determined to get back in to football just as soon as he’s better.”
Aiden was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the while blood cells, in March 2018.
He spent five weeks in hospital, including three days in a high dependency ward after suffering seizures.
He has gradually recovered, supported by family, friends and the staff at Southesk Primary inMontrose where he was then a pupil.
His footballing heroes were also keen to help.
Sean Dillon and Andrew Steeves, two favourite players from Montrose FC, visited Aiden in hospital just after Christmas.
In January he was team mascot for Montrose FC at a match against Dundee United and was later mascot for Montrose Roselea JFC.
While his treatment continues until 2021, his family say they are getting there.
Theresa added: “It’s thanks to research that children like Aiden are doing so well today.
“That’s why raising funds for Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People is so important.”
Donations can be made at any TK Maxx store in the country, including the outlet at the Gallagher Retail Park, Dundee.
Every parent dreads to hear the news their child has cancer but I’m so proud of how Aiden has dealt with whatever life throws at him. MUM THERESA
It is always heartening when someone in dire straits is able to turn their situation to some good, even more so when it is a child. Brave Aiden Marshall from Montrose has had to put his dreams of football stardom on hold to battle leukaemia.
While some may have crumbled, the 11-year-old has belied his tender years to encourage people to take part in a worthy charity endeavour. It is an impressive effort and shows the spirit which makes us sure Aiden will beat his illness and get back on the pitch.