WESTBURY’S Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, ‘Buffs’, recently donated £200 to a Trowbridge mum raising money for treatment for her multiple sclerosis (MS).
‘Buff’ Mike Storey reports, “Leanda Alatoum’s life changed dramatically over night when she found out she had MS, as any damage which occurs during attacks will become permanent.
“The effects on her legs are debilitating, she is unable to play with her children. She is only 31 years old facing a bleak future.
“She has to keep going, she must be a mum and step-mum to six children who rely on her to look after them. She is worried she may one day be wheelchair-bound, having to watching from a distance as her children are playing unable to join in or run around with them.
“A glimmer of hope! There is a new treatment available abroad, a stem cell transplant procedure also known as HSCT. It takes your own stem cells and then it wipes out your faulty DNA. Any damage already done will remain, but it will stop any further progression and further damage.
“So what can we all do to help? Leanda has applied for and been accepted for treatment overseas and a date booked for her to travel. She has just short of £10,000 of the £30,000 the procedure costs; any shortfall will have to be made up by her parents mortgaging their home.
“So here is the challenge, to all of you generous residents of Westbury, pop into Excel Hairdressers in Trowbridge, say hello to Leanda’s mum, Mo, and give her a small donation.
“We the Buffs have given her £200. Here’s a thought, if everybody in Westbury gave just a couple of pounds, job done.
“If you wish to donate on line go to www.gofundme.com and type in Leanda Alatoum.”
