THE community campaign to help a one year old Lochgelly girl go to the United States to receive treatment for an unusual tumour has indeed, made a great start.

The campaign is geared at giving little Emma Beggs, who suffers from Atypical Teratoid Rhaboid Tumour, the chance to get specialised treatment.

Three Lochgelly woman, Suzanne Black, Leanne Cameron and Claire McLean, are helping promote the cause and were involved in organising an adults evening event and a kids afternoon fun event which raised over £2500.

Both Stand Up To Emma events were a great success with the adult event raising just over £2000, which will go into the family fund for Emma. The kids’ event raised almost £600, all of which has been given to the Spirit of Lochgelly group and they will present the family with a cheque.

All adults had a great time at the evening event, when entertainment was provided by James of Little Big Sound and Claire McLean. The dance floor was busy all night with everyone dancing the night away.

Thanks went to Marie Potts for providing a delicious buffet, free of charge. Also thanks to Nancy Duncan, of Duncan Delights, who baked and donated 100 cupcakes for the event. The trio would also like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated raffle prizes, bought raffle tickets, bought tickets and turned up on the night. They were overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity.

The kids’ event was equally successful. Kenny the Clown was on top form as usual and kept the kids entertained throughout with his tricks, dances, balloon twisting and more.

Abbie Black and Claire McLean, the “Glitter Fairies” helped increase the funds by doing glitter tattoos. That brings Abbie’s total raised to over £400. She was delighted to be asked to help out with the raffle, reading out the numbers on the winning tickets drawn. Unfortunately little Emma couldn’t make the event as she was in hospital but the event was attended by her mum Sonja, brother Ewan and gran Liz.

Suzanne, Leanne and Claire would like to thank everyone for their support during their fundraising efforts.

They commented: "We wouldn’t have been anywhere as near successful if it wasn’t for the fantastic community spirit shown by the people of Lochgelly.

"It has been lovely to see everyone pull together to help a family in need.

Also a massive thank you to Torley's Bar for providing us with a great venue for both events. They were very accommodating and provided excellent bar service too!

"We would also like to thank the Spirit of Lochgelly group for allowing us to use their Facebook page as a way to advertise our events and share important information in this way.

"As a result of our twoevents little Emma is now one step closer to America and the treatment she needs. Sonja Allan, Stephen Beggs and family would like to thank everyone for their love and support".

Suzanne, Leanne and Claire have caught the fundraising bug and are keen to keep kids’ events running in Lochgelly and they would like to build a supportive team who can work together in helping the community. Watch this space!