Racing ahead to raise cash for little Millie

Jun 12 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

FUND-RAISING efforts are set to continue to help New Stevenston tot Millie McMenemy.

Little Millie suffers from a rare medical condition known as Zellweger Syndrome which affects her brain and restricts the correct functioning of some organs.

Although there is no cure for the illness, parents Paul and Diane take their daughter to Barcelona every six months for treatment in a bid to ease her suffering.

Spanish doctors have developed a new drug that could curb the effects of the condition – which affects only four other people in the UK – and increase patients' life expectancy.

A charity race night, hosted by Real Radio DJ Paul McKenna, is set to be held tomorrow (Friday) to allow the brave one-year-old to continue with her visits to Spain.

Organised by Bellshill woman Kirsty Connell, the event will take place at Holytown General Motors Club.

Kirsty, a friend of Paul and Diane’s extended family, decided to organise the night to boost the funding pot ahead of Millie’s next Spanish visit later this year.

In addition to races, she has organised a variety of other events such as raffles and games for the night.

Tickets cost £5 and can be bought by calling Kirsty on 07500278019 or by calling Diane on 01698 833 189.

Doors open at 7.15pm.

Soon after Millie was born, doctors realised there was something wrong.

She had breathing difficulties, was not feeding properly and for months she struggled to put on weight.

She was continually tested, but doctors were baffled as to what was medically wrong with the youngster.

However, doctors at Yorkhill finally diagnosed the rare syndrome... and said she would struggle to see her first birthday.

However, Millie’s mum and dad were determined not to give up hope.

In an effort to do all they could for their daughter, the couple contacted the only doctor in the world who specialises in the disorder and has a clinic in Barcelona.

Millie attended the clinic for four weeks and her parents have seen a dramatic improvement in her condition.

She is slowly putting on weight and Diane and Paul are convinced Millie’s sight and hearing have improved, and that she has now become more alert.