Legal firm will-power inspired by sick Easter Ross lad hands welcome boost to Archie Foundation to help other young patients
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THE determination of a big-hearted Easter Ross lad going through gruelling rounds of treatment for a cancerous tumour has inspired a boost for other sick children.
Ben Hickman, from Balintore, had not long started S1 at Tain Royal Academy when his family received the devastating news that he had a large cancerous Sarcoma tumour.
The diagnosis triggered gruelling rounds of chemotherapy at Aberdeen Children's Hospital before further treatment in Glasgow.
The community has rallied to support parents Lisa and John, who run a scaffolding business.
And in a touching show of support, legal firm Georgesons offered to waive their usual Will writing fees for an extended period in November in return for donations to The Archie Foundation, a charity which works to make seriously sick children's hospital stays more comfortable.
Ben (12) himself had made the suggestion to support Archie, keen that others in a similar position would benefit.
The will-writing effort raised a remarkable £3890 as the team at Georgeson's – which also has an estate agency in Tain – went the extra mile to accommodate well-wishers also keen to get their wills sorted out.
When in Aberdeen for Ben's hospital treatment, the Hickman's are able to use ARCHIE's parent accommodation. Lisa Hickman said of the team: "They are fantastic, so lovely and they play a huge part on the ward."
"Ben's diagnosis turned our world upside down but with the fantastic nurses, doctors, play team and everyone in the ward, it really helps with getting through each day."
Treatment has seen the tumour dramatically reduced in size. Mrs Hickman said: "He has been continuing with his schooling in hospital and playing and speaking to his friends on his Xbox. He has been really good about it."
Archie representative Dawn Cowie said: “We are very grateful to the people of Ross-shire and Sutherland and Georgeson's for their generosity. We support people during difficult times. The amount of money that was raised was incredible and will help us to continue our vital support for families. All charities are going through a difficult time just now and every penny that comes to us and support is doubly appreciated."
Bruce de Wert who presented the cheque for Georgeson's said: "It was only because people were so generous to us that we could help."
He said most people found the will-writing process "much more straightforward than they had thought it would be".
Declan said: “We raised £3890 and it was a great pleasure. We really enjoy the period that we make wills because we are helping people who needs a will and we are also helping charities.”
