Scots cancer tot to get treatment abroad as locals rally round to raise cash
The parents of a tot with cancer have been left 'amazed' after the community raised money for potentially life-saving treatment abroad. Three-year-old Tommy Quinn was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma last year after a lump was found in his stomach. The discovery was made after Tommy had not wet his nappy, was hardly eating or sleeping, and was throwing up his bottle. Tommy is set to finish his NHS treatment this year and depending on the results of the scans, the plan is for him to go to either America or Europe for further treatment . But, the expenses may be less pressure for Tommy's parents after a 'stranger' set up a fundraiser to cover the costs. Tommy's mum Nicole Quinn, 37, said: "It was surreal when we got the diagnosis . Everything was like a whirlwind. "When the doctor felt the lump in his stomach, they told us that it could have been constipation. "But then, we were told it was a tumour." Tommy is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment for the rare cancer which primarily affects children under the age of five. It develops from early nerve cells called neuroblasts and often starts in the abdomen. Despite the treatment making Tommy feel unwell at times, Nicole says the Bishopbriggs tot is still a cheeky and charming chap. She added: "He's terrorising the nurses and drawing everyone in with his cheeky smile. "He loves entertaining people. He's always been that way, even before the diagnosis." T in the Town Hall will take place at Airdrie Town Hall on May 10. The event has been organised by joiner Darren Meechan who was told about Tommy's story through a friend and decided to take it one step further. Darren, 37, said: "When I checked out who Tommy was, I discovered that he was about the same age as my son and car mad. "That really brought Tommy's story home to me because I couldn't imagine being in his parents' shoes." Darren asked Stevie Douglas of The McCommitments to perform at the fundraiser , where Darren will also be performing with his band, Deck Side of the Moon. There will also be 'Scotland's largest tool tombola' event at the fundraiser . Stevie, who is the lead singer of The McCommitments, has also turned his decommissioned London taxi into a portable gig venue to help raise even more funds for Tommy. Stevie said: "My plan is to drive around Scotland and let musicians come in and play a live show in there. This should hopefully raise awareness for Tommy as well as funds." Stevie even took Tommy for a spin in the taxi not too long ago - which the youngster loved. Stevie said: "Tommy is some wee boy. I remember joking and telling him the ride was a fiver and he tried to push his toy firetruck which he brought with him through the coin tray for payment. "When I drove home I just burst out greeting because it hit me like a ton of bricks." Nicole said she was 'amazed' when she learned about the fundraiser . She said: "These men don't really know us personally but they took Tommy under their wing. "The event - and especially the taxi - are a brilliant idea. "Times are so difficult for people right now, but for these strangers to take this on it just amazing."
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