Esme's Angels from Portessie ready for Kiltwalk challenge in aid of Cystic Fibrosis charity
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ESME'S Angels are on the march for a brave little "warrior" whose smile and sense of fun keeps her family and friends strong as they face up to her health challenges.
The two-year-old was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth and has overcome many hurdles in her young life so far.
That included an emergency operation at just two-days-old to clear a bowel blockage.
She spent the first four weeks of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit in Aberdeen.
And last year she was admitted to hospital with a lung infection.
Esme has a daily routine of exercise, physiotherapy, diet control and medication to keep her as healthy as possible.
Esme, from Portessie, is a source of inspiraton to her loving family – mum Claire Thomson (33), dad Michael Chisholm (40) and big brothers Noah (8) and Joseph (6).
And they and members of their wider family have received incredible support from The Leanne Fund, a Stornoway-based charity which provides emotional, practical and financial support to 175 families across Scotland.
Claire wanted to thank the charity and that's why Esme's Angels will walk 17.8 miles this Sunday as part of the Kiltwalk from Aberdeen's Duthie Park to Banchory.
"The charity is brilliant," said Claire. "They provide lots of different support. That can be money for clubs and activities, trips out and holidays.
"When Esme is in hospital she has to be isolated from other children because of the risk of infection so it can be a lonely time and the charity provides us with wellness packs."
The family are looking forward to a summer holiday at the Craig Tara caravan park in Ayrshire, supported by The Leanne Fund.
"I just wanted to give something back so that other CF families can benefit as well."
The Leanne Fund was founded in 2009 by the Mitchell family as a lasting legacy to their daughter, Leanne, who died of Cystic Fibrosis aged 21.
Claire will be joined on Sunday by her mum Annette Thomson, from Burghead, and Esme's auntie Jessica Reid, along with friends Tamzin Virtue, Beth Little, Gemma Finlayson, Kim McIntyre and Courtney Whyte.
Claire, a children's residential team leader, knew something was wrong with Esme when she was 30 weeks pregnant and she struggled with her own health.
"I couldn't walk the length of my house when I was expecting. I was too big at 30 weeks and was holding too much fluid.
"The training for the Kiltwalk has improved my health and wellbeing. I have been doing lots of walking outside and on my treadmill, and doing weights as well," added Claire.
Annette, or nana, is looking forward to Sunday and raising as much money as they can for her "little warrior".
"She smiles all the time and laughs at everything," she added.
Claire said: "She is so strong willed and loving. She is amazing and is my inspiration."
Esme is doted on by her big brothers and Claire admits the boys find it tough when their sister is in hospital.
"She has fought off various coughs and colds, and is on a lot of medication, including antibiotics and uses her inhaler regularly."
Her diet is well managed and she also gets Creon, a drug used to improve digestion of food in children and adults who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes, in her apple sauce.
Esme loves to dance, which is good for her condition, and she attends the TOD Mathieson School of Dance in Buckie.
The family have a Just Giving page to raise money for The Leanne Fund and Annette has also been collecting sponsorship from customers at Ladbrokes in Elgin, where she is manager.
"We have about £945 on the Just Giving page and I have got another £300 at work. One guy came up and gave me £100," she said.
If you would like to support the families effort click on Esme's Angels do the Kiltwalk
