A mum-of-two has praised the generosity of the Angus community who have left her a “whisper away” from being given a lifesaving transplant.
People in Angus joined the battle to raise £15,000 for South Africa-based nurse Riekie Cloete after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia which leaves her with just a one in 100,000 chance of survival.
A bone marrow match was found in Germany for Riekie – whose best friend lives in Angus – but her medical aid does not cover foreign donor matches and the procedure won’t go ahead unless the money is raised.
Riekie is now closer than ever to reaching her goal with just £1,000 left to raise following a surge in donations since her story was shared in The Courier.
She has now sent a message from her hospital bed in Pretoria to thank everyone from the bottom of her heart for their support and donations.
“As you know the cancer treatment will cost thousands of pounds and for most people like myself this opportunity is but a dream,” she said.
“With organised fundraising events and support from friends like you I hope for my dream to become a reality and receive and recover from the bone marrow transplant.
“I am speechless and grateful for the way you have opened your hearts to me in my deepest hour of need.
“Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity and time and effort that everyone has put into making this fundraiser such a huge success.
“Words cannot express how I feel.”
Montrose mum Bekki Smith-Dutton was behind the fundraising campaign in Angus to save Riekie’s life.
The pair have been friends for 15 years since they travelled the world together working in cruise ship spas.
Bekki said: “I think we only have just over £1,000 to raise which is incredible.
“We are a whisper away from Riekie getting treated and it’s the best feeling in the world.
“It’s just amazing how many people have contributed to this appeal.”
Bekki, who owns Cloud 9 hair and beauty salon in Arbroath, said the generosity of total strangers has reduced her to tears.
“I’ve had many people come into the shop handing me anything between £10 and £100,” she said. “It’s been overwhelming.”
People can donate at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Riekiecloetebonemarrowfund.
