At the age of 3, Bowmore Primary pupil, Ciara Allan suffered a stroke due to a brain haemorrhage. Tests carried out revealed that Ciara had a benign brain tumour growing around her main arterial, leaving her paralysed on the left side. Ciara was hospitalised for 16 weeks, undergoing intensive hydro and physiotherapy until she could walk and talk again. Since then Ciara has been battling her illness including major brain surgery. Last year it was confirmed that her tumour had spread and some cysts had developed, with the family travelling almost weekly to York Hill Hospital for Sick Kids.

Halfway through the treatment a scan had shown that the tumour had grown and that the chemotherapy had been unsuccessful. A different form of chemo was introduced in August this year, this too has been unsuccessful. Ciara is a vivacious, warm, young lady with one of the brightest, most electric smiles, as well as a naughty streak a mile wide. She is surrounded by the love and support of a very close family who now must face the next round of treatment.

Ciara has therefore had to endure major brain surgery for the third time - emerging from a six hour operation on 31st October with a smile as beautiful as ever. Happily, she is now back home on Islay with her family and recuperating before the whole family will have to fly to America where Ciara will undergo exhaustive and intensive Proton Therapy. Ciara will receive this treatment for up to five days a week, lasting six to eight weeks. The 'Ciara Caskie Allan Appeal' has been set up to help Ciara and her family during this period. On Saturday 17th November there is an island wide sponsored walk.

We would ask everyone to give their support to this appeal. For further information on how to donate or on fundraising events please contact us at the following email address: Ciara.appeal@yahoo.co.uk. Donations can also be left at The Royal Bank of Scotland, Bowmore or Port Ellen branches, or contact: Archie MacLachlan - 07767 332 176; Mairi MacCuaig - 07414 939 114; Darcie MacLachlan - 07919 873 658; Kate Ross - 07845 742 537

A Facebook page is available for more information and fundraising events: www.facebook.com/CiaraCaskieAllanAppeal.

Bank details below if you'd like to make a donation.:
The Ciara Caskie Allan Appeal
Royal Bank of Scotland
Sort code: 831620
Account number: 104384
IBAN: GRBOS83162000104384
IBAN BIC: RBOSGB2L