Dying Olivia rallies and gets all-clear for 5,100-mile flight home from Mexico

Published on 27/06/2012 00:18

A TERMINALLY-ILL Scots girl has finally been given the all clear to fly back from Mexico after her condition improved enough for her to make the long journey home.

Olivia Downie, from Fraserburgh, went to Tijuana in Mexico with her family earlier this month for specialist treatment as she battled neuroblastoma, a cancer of cells in the nervous system.

When the last-ditch attempt to save her life failed, her parents, Steven, 34, and Lauren, 27, decided to take her home, but were told she would require expensive medical support on any flight back to the UK.

After an emotional appeal for donations and with the help of the charity Families Against Neuroblastoma (Fan), they managed to raise more than £150,000 to cover the cost of the trip.

When the child’s condition deteriorated on Sunday, it was feared she might not be stable enough to make the 5,100-mile long journey. However, yesterday Fan founder Linza Corp confirmed that Olivia would be returning to Scotland.

“We have had confirmation that the hospital bill is settled and Olivia is well enough to consider moving,” she said. “I appreciate the whole nation wants to know when Olivia will be home, we all do, but above all else we want her home safe.”

It is thought she could travel as soon as today.

The news was welcomed by Fraserburgh and District councillor Brian Topping. “Everyone has been touched by the sad story of Olivia and her brave fight to get rid of this horrible disease. We’ve all just been hoping and praying for a miracle.”