Battler Emma inspires dad's epic cancer cycle
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THE father of a girl who lost a brave battle with cancer before her 12th birthday is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to help others hit by heartache.
Emma Cameron became part of Ross County history when she stepped out on to the pitch at Hampden as the club’s mascot ahead of its 2010 Scottish Cup Final.
Unknown to the thousands watching, the 11-year-old had endured 15 gruelling months of chemotherapy and was walking unaided following a leg amputation carried out to save her life.
Emma lost her battle with bone cancer in April last year, prompting the establishment of a charitable foundation in her name, set up by Dingwall born and bred Dad, Alan.
The aim of the Emma Cameron Foundation is to ease the devastating pain of a cancer diagnosis by helping to improve the quality of life at one of the toughest of times.
Alan is now saddling up for an epic Land’s End to John O’Groats fundraising cycle, which he admits will force him out of his comfort zone into unchartered territory.
Cycling with a trio of friends, he plans passing through his home town on the penultimate day, Saturday, July 7, ahead of the final push north.
The trio, who are meeting all their own costs en route, are chasing a £7,500 target.
Admitting being daunted by the 100-mile a day epic, the insurance broker told the Journal: “I keep telling myself people’s encouragement and financial support will boost me — as will the inspiration of Emma who embraced any challenge thrown at her.
“All money raised will go towards the Emma Cameron Foundation which supports organisations and facilities which need the funds to support children, and their families, with cancer. I can personally vouch for the value of these services.”
The Ross County connection is still going strong too — much to the delight of Alan, who has supported the club from humble Highland League beginnings through to the present-day SPL high point.
Recalled Alan recalled: “The Foundation has received tremendous support which really all kicked off back at Victoria Park when we raised almost £800 from a bucket collection and we have gone from strength to strength.
“We now fund one real hair wig per month, a monthly delivery of toys to the Edinburgh Sick Kids oncology ward, a dozen trips to Lapland and a Christmas party for sick kids, amongst other bits and pieces.”
He declared himself “thrilled” with support received to date which had exceeded all expectations.
He said: “We have kicked on with the fundraising knowing the benefits Emma got from these activities and are determined to continue funding these on a longer term basis and initiating a few more projects for children with cancer.”
Alan paid warm tribute to the support received from the backroom staff at Victoria Park and the wider Ross-shire community.
He has started a summer raffle with a much-prized signed football from Ross County’s championship-winning team up for grabs.
He’d be delighted to hear from any businesses willing to sell the tickets further afield.
Ross County’s general manager Ranald Gilbert said he’d been privileged to meet Alan and Emma and her family during her battle with the illness and had been “touched by her spirit and determination”.
The trio set off on June 29 and aim to be passing through Dingwall on July 7.
Alan says he’ll be motivated by his daughter: “I can’t complain about knee pain on the ride when Emma and other kids have lost their knees to cancer.”
More on the Foundation can be found online at:
http:/emmacameronfoundation.org.uk
Alan’s fundraiser can be backed online at http://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Cameron
