Fundraiser for Lauryn
Coffee morning in EK
Staff and customers at an East Kilbride sports centre rallied round to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
The coffee morning at the John Wright Sports Centre was in aid of the cancer charity Beatson Glasgow.
It was chosen because the sister of staff member Gemma Brand, who was also one of the organisers, is battling Ewings’s sarcoma.
It is a rare type of cancerous tumour that grows in the bones or the soft tissue around bones and Gemma’s sister, Lauryn, was diagnosed a year ago. The 20-year-old from St Leonards, who has a two-year-old son, has been through 14 rounds of intensive chemotherapy and gruelling radiotherapy.
So, aware of Lauryn’s battle, it was decided the fundraiser would be in aid of the Beatson, who have supported the young mum and her family through the treatment.
And Gemma, 27, and fellow organisers – coworkers Marie Cameron and Janie Carter – were delighted to raise over £2300.
“Everyone from the staff at the sports centre to customers have been absolutely amazing and we can’t thank them enough,”
Gemma told the News. “We have had so much support from throughout East Kilbride, with local businesses making donations.”
There were raffles and a tombola on the day.
Gemma, also from St Leonards, added: “We always do one or two fundraising coffee mornings a year so given that a lot of people at the centre have met Lauryn numerous time, we decided on the Beatson.
“Lauryn’s world was turned upside down when, after a few visits to the doctors then A&E, she was given the devastating news that she had the cancerous tumour on her spine.
“Initially, it was treated as sciatica but a doctor in A&E decided to keep her for a scan as he wasn’t happy and also wanted to rule out a slipped disc. As it’s on her spine, surgery isn’t an option.
“It was devastating news and it has been an emotional time for Lauryn and all the family.
“But never once do you hear her moan or complain, she just gets on with it. She really is a superstar.”
Family and friends have been by Lauryn’s side since her diagnosis and neighbour Graeme Roberts also cycled 100 miles for the Beatson, raising a staggering £3316.