Grandparents launch Katie appeal

The grandparents of a nine-year-old schoolgirl who suffers from a rare disorder and is also battling cancer have launched a fundraising appeal to help cover treatment costs.

Katie Macomber recently underwent a five-week course of chemotherapy for lymphoma, a form of cancer.

The youngster lives in Florida, but her Cannock grandparents Margaret and Toni Walker and their friends have launched a series of activities to help pay for her medical care.

She lives with parents Karen, aged 35, and dad Richard, aged 38, brothers Andrew, aged 12, and Sam, aged four.

The family have got medical insurance as required in the United States, but due to the level of treatment Katie needs, there are additional medical costs.

Mrs Walker, aged 61, of Huntington, said: "Treatment costs the family about £1,500 a month when she is relatively well.

"Katie was diagnosed with lupus when she was two-years-old. It affects her blood and she needs medication to boost her red blood cells. She gets a regular blood transfusions and has had lymphoma about five times, the latest flare up was in August."

Mrs Walker, is a member of St Paul's at the Crossing church, in Darwall Street, Walsall.

Fellow member Rina Kundu helped to cheer up the family by organising a bring and buy sale at her home, in Birmingham Road, Walsall, which raised £651 towards the appeal.

"We had an absolutely brilliant day and we are really pleased," she said. "It was an excellent event and a lot of people who couldn't come gave us donations. We have still got some goods left over which we will probably shift via the internet and a car boot sale. And people at church are planning to hold some events in the new year."

Mrs Macomber, who is Mrs Walker's daughter, moved to the United States, aged 19, to work as an au pere and later met and married her husband Richard.

More details are available on 01543 505860 and on Katie's website www.katiemacomber.com