Fundraiser launched for Clydebank cancer patient and amputee Olivia McCord

The Drumry tot was tragically diagnosed with leukaemia in February, after being rushed to hospital with sepsis.

What seemed to be a typical sickness bug on Sunday, January 26 was soon a life threatening illness which was preventing Olivia from breathing.

The toddler was rushed to hospital by her aunt, Danielle, and gran Linda, where she was taken to theatre and breathing support was administered.

It soon became clear that Olivia had sepsis and her tiny body had prioritised keeping her vital organs alive, shutting down blood flow to her limbs, kidneys and spleen.

After numerous tests, doctors diagnosed her with leukemia and told her parents, Samantha and Lloyd, that they would need to amputate her legs below the knee, left hand and parts of her fingers on her right hand. And her body would need to fight off sepsis before cancer treatment could be administered.

Despite this, little Olivia has continued to amaze her family with her courage, determination and can-do attitude.

Her uncle Kevin McCord told the Post that he was unable to see her for three months due to lockdown, but her parents have spent every day at Glasgow’s Royal Children’s Hospital.

Olivia has been moved from ICU to the Schiehallion Ward where she is awaiting cancer treatment.

The toddler has been home recently for a few hours and received visits from her family. She has also video called her nursery friends from Lucky Little Stars, in Hardgate.

Kevin has now seen Olivia, albeit from a distance, and is in awe of her strength and his brother and Samantha's attitude to the challenges they have faced.

He now plans to raise money to support her since he cannot be by her side in hospital. On Friday, he set up a JustGiving page for people to sponsor his climb to the summit of Ben Nevis on August 8. The money raised will fund new prosthetics as she grows, a wet room and other home adaptations.

Kevin told the Post: “I felt helpless. She is a fighter and it has been hard to watch Lloyd and Samantha going through it all without being able to help.

“I decided to climb Ben Nevis and quite a few others want to get involved, but for the most part people have shown their generosity through donating to Olivia’s crowdfunder.

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness people have shown.

“Lloyd is such a proud dad, so he would never have asked for help and keeps himself to himself, but he is unbelievably grateful for the love people have shown.

“We don’t know what Olivia will need as she grows, but it will be expensive and I want the best for her.

“I just want to thank everyone who has donated so far and to anyone who will donate, it means the world to my brother and our family.”

Lloyd added: “I’m forever grateful for the donations given, I really can’t thank everyone enough for helping my wee girl Olivia.”

Olivia continues to adapt to the challenges she faces.

Lloyd has been a keen Clydebank Rugby Club player for more than a decade, and Kevin plays for Bellahouston FC, having previously spent time at Clydebank FC.

The clubs and team mates have donated generously to support Olivia, as well as The Scotch Whisky Association, who donated £1,000.

Clydebank-born Aston Villa star, John McGinn has also raised awareness by sharing the crowdfunder on Facebook.

To donate to Olivia’s cause, search for Kevin McCord on JustGiving.