Lochi's Big Kiltwalk
Lochi (12) was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last year. Despite currently undergoing 18 grueling months of chemotherapy, brave Lochi, alongside his family, has decided to take on the incredible challenge of conquering the Kiltwalk.
Proud mum Cheryl says: “They can’t operate on his tumour because it’s attached to the optic nerve on his left eye. He’s sadly lost most of his sight in the left eye, so the focus now is on saving his right one.
“His diagnosis has affected us a lot as a family, but the support we have received from the incredible hospital staff has been amazing and overwhelming. They are so attentive and have made this journey easier.
He’s positive, even when he’s feeling physically unwell from the chemo. His strength and determination is getting all of us through this.
- Cheryl, Lochi's mum
“The ECHC team has also really helped, which is why we have chosen to support the charity through doing the Kiltwalk. It’s not just about things you’re given in hospital – for us, it’s about people coming round, the visits that you get. They just really cheer Lochi up. It’s been a positive for us during such a difficult time.
“Lochi is a wee champ, and he keeps us in check. If we’re getting down or negative and if we’re having a bad day, he pulls us back in. He rarely has bad days; he’s positive, even when he’s feeling physically unwell from the chemo. His strength and determination is getting all of us through this. He is the most amazing strong person.
“The Kiltwalk is something for Lochi to look forward to and focus on, and it’ll get us out and about for a wee bit of training. We also just wanted to give back. It’s the first of a few things that we’re going to do!
“Because Lochi is on a weekly cycle just now, he’s still not at the point where we can go train. He’s just not got the energy. Once we get past the 10 weeks, we should get some of our energy back and then we’ll start the training properly.
“We can’t believe how well we’ve done with the fundraising; our initial goal was £500 and in just a few days, we were at £3,500. Our goal now is £5,000! Fingers crossed we can get there.”
A huge thank you to Lochi and his family for this phenomenal effort – we wish them best of luck training for the Kiltwalk in September!
You can cheer team Lochi on by following and supporting this amazing fundraiser. Click below.
