Willow the superstar
Parents of one-year-old bid to save her sight and fund future treatment
A BABY with a rare birthmark has been described as a “little superstar” by her family.
Little Willow Cathro-Hughes was born with a strawberry hemangioma on her face in February last year.
Her parents, Katy and Kevin, were relieved to be told by doctors at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee that Willow’s tumour had not spread to the bone, brain or liver.
But to prevent any possible damage to her sight, they said the one-year-old would have to take adult beta-blockers.
Now the family have set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for the dermatology department that is treating Willow, in the hope it could help pay for further treatment.
Writing on the page, Katy, from Carnoustie in Angus, said: “Baby Willow was born on the February 2, 2021, our little superstar from the very beginning.
“Birthmarks are common, however having her mark at birth, its size and location makes Willow’s rare and also a first for NHS Tayside.
“We as a family would like to ensure when the time comes that Willow can always access the most current and innovative treatment available.
“We don’t know what our little girl will need in the future but to help the main department who look after Willow in any way we can will ensure as her family we have done
Kevin and I felt so out of control and out of our depth KATY CATHRO-HUGHES ON HELPING WILLOW
everything in our power to make this possible.”
Katy, who spent eight days in hospital with the tot, and Kevin have received support from the medical community.
She added: “Willow has been a case study for one of her doctor’s studies at Ninewells and will have her pictures shared for research – this makes her part of medical history.”
To boost their fundraising campaign, the mum and two family members will be cycling from Dundee’s City Quay to Glasgow’s Pacific Quay on August 13.
Katy said: “Many parts of Willow’s journey have left Kevin and I feeling so very out of control and out of our depth but setting a challenge and turning it into an amazing weekend for our wee girl and others has filled our hearts.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/katy-cathrohughes