Grandad swims Loch Ness for sick girl (8)
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A DEVOTED grandad has taken on a charity swim in aid of his poorly granddaughter.
Gavin Johnston swam across Loch Ness for Amelia-Danni (8), who has Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) – a rare cancer affecting around 50 children a year in the UK.
The condition affects her vertebrae and femur bone, and she may have to have chemotherapy every week for two years.
However, a "ground-breaking" private treatment is understood to be available overseas, and the family have started a fundraising drive.
Mr Johnston (54) took on a swim from the Clansman mooring to Dores beach.
"The conditions were brilliant," he said.
"It was flat and there were no waves so I had no problems at all."
He added: "I had great inspiration from Amelia. Every stroke was for her."
His colleagues at Inverness Taxis are also doing their bit to help the fundraising effort.
Paul Thatcher, Allan Patterson and Neil Robertson will all be donating a day’s earnings, while Laura Hall will be donating her hair at a fundraising evening on October 26.
Amelia-Danni had the chance to meet her heroes as chart-toppers Little Mix visited Inverness.
The youngster is a huge fan of the group, and mum Courtnay Johnston (23) revealed she was thrilled to have met the band.
"We didn’t tell her she was getting to meet the band until the last moment," she said.
"She was absolutely ecstatic when she found out.
"It was so good of the girls to take the time to meet her.
"She has loved them since she was very young."
Miss Johnston revealed the family have been overwhelmed by the support they have had.
She said: "In total, we’ve now raised over £5000.
"I am so appreciative. People have done so much for us.
"Amelia-Danni has her good days and bad days but she is a tough cookie, that’s for sure."
To support Amelia-Danni visit www.youcaring.com/ameliadannijohnston-1143047
