A 12-year-old boy from Edinburgh who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour is taking on the Kiltwalk challenge to support the charity that has helped him and his family.
Lochi’s story
Lochlan ‘Lochi’ McCready was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2023, after experiencing headaches and vision problems. The tumour is attached to the optic nerve on his left eye, which has caused him to lose most of his sight in that eye. Doctors are now trying to save his right eye, which is also affected by the tumour.
Lochi has been undergoing chemotherapy for 18 months, and will continue to do so until October 2024. He has to visit the hospital every two weeks for treatment, and often suffers from nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.
Despite his condition, Lochi is a positive and cheerful boy, who loves playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also a huge fan of Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter.
Lochi’s challenge
Lochi has decided to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on September 15, 2024, to raise funds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). The charity supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, where Lochi receives his treatment, and provides various services and facilities for the patients and their families.
Lochi will be joined by his mum Cheryl, 46, and his dad Ben, 46, who will walk with him for 13 miles. Lochi hopes to complete the challenge in four hours, and has set a fundraising target of £5000.
Cheryl said: “Lochi is a wee champ, and he keeps us in check. If we’re getting down or negative and if we’re having a bad day, he pulls us back in. He rarely has bad days; he’s positive, even when he’s feeling physically unwell from the chemo.
“His strength and determination is getting all of us through this. He is the most amazing, strong person.
“His diagnosis has affected us a lot as a family, but the support we have received from the incredible hospital staff has been amazing and overwhelming.
“They are so attentive and have made this journey easier. The ECHC team has also really helped, which is why we have chosen to support the charity through doing the Kiltwalk.
“It’s not just about the things you’re given in hospital – for us, it’s about people coming round, the visits that you get. They just really cheer Lochi up. It’s been a positive for us during such a difficult time.”
Lochi’s fundraiser
Lochi’s fundraiser has already received a lot of support from his family, friends, and strangers, who have been touched by his story. He has raised over £4100 so far, and is hoping to reach his goal by the day of the Kiltwalk.
Lochi said: “I want to do the Kiltwalk because I want to help the hospital and the charity. They have been very nice to me and my family, and they have given me lots of things to make me happy.
“I also want to do it because I like walking and I want to challenge myself. I think it will be fun and I hope I can finish it.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser. It means a lot to me and it makes me feel good. I hope you can keep supporting me and the charity.”
To donate to Lochi’s fund, please visit his Kiltwalk page.
