The family of a terminally ill Angus boy have been humbled by the outpouring of support from their local community as they celebrated his fifth birthday at the weekend.
Although initially reluctant to tell people about their plight, Claire and Richard (Ricky) Davidson of Kirriemuir have been overwhelmed with the ongoing support as local fundraising topped £24,000.
A live-music event organised by Ann and Peter Jamieson of the Gairie Inn in Kirriemuir on Saturday raised £11,400 for ‘Mr Leo’.
Six bands performed, free of charge, headlined by Tayside band Emerald Sunday who scaled Ben Nevis on September 7 to raise funds.
Leo was diagnosed as one of only 150 people in the world with the life-limiting genetic condition infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy in May.
He has a life expectancy of between five and 10 years, after inheriting the condition from his parents, who are both carriers of the gene in a one-in-a-million chance.
His parents initially made an appeal to help “make memories” with their son with a holiday to Disney World in Florida top of their wish list.
On Saturday the couple attended the major fundraiser at the Gairie.
Publican Ann Jamieson said: “We are very pleased to announce that, after Saturday’s fundraiser and Emerald Sunday’s Ben Nevis fundraiser, the amount we have raised is around £11, 400 with still more money to come in.
“I’m totally gobsmacked and so very proud of everyone involved in making this happen.”
The live sessions included music from Run for Cover, Sin City, Ganked, Kinell, Katy Nicol, The Ruckus and Emerald Sunday.
Thanking everyone who supported Saturday’s event Claire said: “It’s bonkers, it is just amazing, we are overwhelmed.
“Thank you just doesn’t do it justice.
“We were there all day, the atmosphere was amazing.
“We are definitely going to Florida, it will happen.”
Claire said they will also now be able to purchase a special hospital bed and chair for Leo, who is getting a feeding tube fitted into his stomach next Tuesday.
“He needs a hospital type bed which can be raised to help us feed Leo through the tube,” she said.
“Leo’s fifth birthday on Sunday was a very special day.
“He got a battery-operated Audi car, he had good fun with that, and we went out for a family meal.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support we have had as a family, with support from complete strangers.
“Every day is precious for us, the support we have had has been beyond our wildest dreams.
“Richard and I didn’t want any publicity at the beginning, we just needed a wee bit of support.”
