Hundreds of pounds raised at fundraisers for Skelmersdale toddler with cancer

Mar 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A FOOTBALL fundraiser and a sponsored skip have raised hundreds of pounds for the Millie Heaton Appeal.

Last month the Advertiser revealed the heartbreaking story of 20-month-old Millie.

The tot was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma – a form of cancer.

The tumour had started in her stomach and spread through her bone marrow into her skull.

A campaign has been launched to help send Millie to America to receive special care once she is in remission.

On Saturday, brave schoolgirl Yasmin Doran skipped 400 times in front of the crowds gathered to watch the Southport Rugby Football Club first and third teams.

Her fundraising efforts earned just short of £1,000 for Millie, who is neighbours with the schoolgirl.

Yasmin, who has dyspraxia, skipped before and after the matches as the firsts took on Douglas and thirds played St Edward’s Old Boys at Waterloo Road.

The Kingsbury School pupil’s incredible efforts on Saturday afternoon raised £865.

Proud dad James, who is captain of Southport thirds, said: “She was over the moon, the last 20 she did with the lads giving her the countdown in the bar.

“The atmosphere was good for her and we gave her a massive cheer at the end so she had the crowd for the encouragement.

“She had a massive smile on her face and was buzzing, me and her mum are over the moon, we are very proud of her.”

Meanwhile on Sunday, a charity football match involving Millie’s brother Michael’s team Dynamo Rangers raised £925.34 for the appeal.

Andrea Gilbertson, manager of Michael’s under-10s team, organised the game, which saw 34 players take part at Glenburn Sports College. Millie’s mum Lyndsay was also there to cheer on the teams.

Andrea said: “It was a great day, everyone enjoyed themselves and Lyndsay was over the moon with the support. It was a really good event held in Millie’s name.”

A Justgiving site for Millie has been set up at bit.ly/WqWbju. Follow Millie’s blog at on.fb.me/13jmlw4