A BRAVE little Hawick lad with a big heart is preparing to undertake a 13-mile sponsored walk in honour of his beloved granny, who died from cancer last year.
Seven-year old Euan Welsh is proving an inspiration to his family as they continue to grieve the sad loss of 57-year old Helen Guthrie – who passed away last October, only four months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The Wilton Primary Sch
ool pupil is embarking on the same route followed by the town's midnight walkers, to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK and the Stoma Specialist Nursing Service at Borders General Hospital.
And mum Lisa says she will be bursting with pride when she walks round the town route with plucky little Euan, next Saturday.
Euan Welsh, middle, with brothers Robbie, left, and Irvine, at their Churchill Road home with mum Lisa and dad Gregor. Photograph: Alistair Learmonth
She told the Hawick News: "My mum was diagnosed with cancer a year ago but doctors say she may have had it for 10 years. From the start we told Euan everything, and he knew that the medicine wasn't going to make her better.
"He has been an absolute star throughout, and coped very well with his granny's illness. He understands that raising money and awareness could help other people get better before it's too late."
She added: "We are immensely proud of him."
Lisa and husband Gregor Welsh helped behind the scenes at the Strictly Come Dancing Denholm Style night, in aid of Bowel Cancer UK, but Lisa says she wanted to do something more personal.
She explained: "The stoma service at the BGH, for people who have an artificial opening on their abdomen gave my mum such amazing one-to-one care and I know the huge difference they made in helping her cope.
"And when I asked Euan what he thought about the walk, he was really keen."
Lisa and Euan have been out walking in preparation for next weekend, although Lisa admits: "If his legs would go as quick as his jaws, we'd be finished in no time!"
Their charity bid will start at 9am next to their home in Silverbuthall.
And Euan's little brothers Robbie, 4, and Irvine, 2, will join in the family walk near the end.
Lisa added: "All the boys still talk about their granny all the time, and they know that she'll be watching us every step of the way."
Anyone wishing to sponsor Euan can do so with forms available in Viv's paper shop at Silverbuthall, the Wellogate Salon and Brydons.
