In an unprecedented show of community support and generosity, more than 2,000 people took to the streets of Bessbrook on Friday evening for a fundraising charity walk in aid of three-year-old Ellen Treanor, who is battling a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
The event was organised as part of a campaign to raise funds for Ellen to access treatment that may not be available through the NHS, and the coffers received a massive boost when proceeds from the event amounted to the fantastic sum of £13,523.89.
It seemed even the weather wanted to be part of the fundraiser, as the rain that had fallen for most of the day stopped and the sun shone on the thousands of walkers who had turned up to show their support for little Ellen whose plight has touched the hearts of everyone across the district.
Diagnosed in January with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive and complex cancer, the brave tot has already undergone gruelling treatment over the last six months including eight cycles of high dose chemotherapy, surgery to remove a tumour from her stomach and a stem cell transplant.
Her family hope following this latest bout of treatment that Ellen will be in remission, however, they are “very aware” that the cancer could return and are preparing themselves for that eventuality. Almost half of children with high-risk neuroblastoma will relapse and in such cases, the survival rate is low.
To offer Ellen her best possible chance, the family have joined forces with Solving Kid’s Cancer, a neuroblastoma charity, to try to raise the hundreds of thousands of pounds needed that will enable her to take part in a clinical trial in America.
Having put out an appeal for people across the district to come together to support ‘Ellen’s Journey’ , the community responded en masse, the huge crowd that turned out for Friday’s walk a testament to the groundswell of empathy and compassion for the little girl.
Participants described it as “humbling” saying Ellen’s story had touched the hearts of everyone throughout the district and beyond.
Speaking afterwards her parents Claire and Paddy said they were “absolutely blown away” by the outpouring of love and support and vowed to continue the campaign to enable their young daughter access treatment that will offer her the best possible chance of survival.
To further the fundraising campaign, a number of events are currently being organised including participation in the Bessbrook Duathlon, A Night for Ellen in Gorman’s, Mayobridge and quiz nights.
Donations to the fund can also be made by texting ELTR77, following by the amount you wish to donate, to 70070; or visit www.solvingkidscancer.org /ellentreanor or www.justgiving.com/charity/solvingkidscancer/ellentreanor.
For up to date information on planned events follow ‘Ellen’s Journey’ on Facebook, telephone 07810494527 or email: ellensjourney@hotmail.com.
