Fundraiser in honour of Edinburgh mum battling leukaemia raises more than £20,000 for Maggie's Centre
The fundraiser is raising money for cancer support organisation Maggie’s Centre Edinburgh
A community fundraiser launched to support an Edinburgh mum who is undergoing a stem cell transplant has raised more than £20,000.
Ali’s Army was launched in honour of 35-year-old Alix Aitken-Arbuckle, who is currently being treated for acute myeloid leukemia.
As part of a 100-day challenge, more than 100 people across the UK have been taking on a number of different challenges to raise money for charity in Alix’s name.
Alix, who is a doctor of midwifery working within NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Ali’s Army has given me so much strength so far, I have sores in my mouth and can’t swallow, my legs, arms and face are full of swelling, my kidneys are working hard to get rid of excess water. I feel like vegetating in bed.”
The fundraiser is raising money for Maggie’s Centre Edinburgh, which provides free advice and emotional support to those living with cancer as well as family members.
Maggie’s Centre Edinburgh has been of particular help to Alix, whose sister Susie is also currently undergoing cancer treatment and whose other sister Gill has been identified as a match as a stem cell donor.
She added: “As the team at Maggies Centre would say to me it’s “dig deep day”, get out of bed and make today count. Thank you everyone at Ali’s Army for giving me that strength.”
Samantha Lea, fundraising manager at Maggie’s Centre Edinburgh, said: “We are hugely grateful for everyone involved in Ali’s Army campaign which has now raised more than £20,000 and counting – a phenomenal amount.
“This epic fundraising challenge is a fabulous demonstration of friendship and community. Every penny raised will help Maggie’s Edinburgh to continue to support our vital support to people like Alix and her family.”
Megan Dudgeon, Alix’s best friend who launched the Ali’s Army fundraiser, said: “What started as a small idea between friends has grown into something really special. “We never imagined it would reach over £20,000.“The challenges are all about showing Alix that she isn’t facing this alone — especially during what we know will be the hardest part of her recovery.”
If you would like to support or donate to the Ali’s Army fundraiser, you can visit the group’s JustGiving website.