Leukaemia-hit Lothian family in running for Lapland holiday prize

A FAMILY from East Lothian are in the running to be crowned the UK's Bootiful Family of the Year - and win a trip to Lapland for Christmas.

Parents Lynsey and Euan Mackenzie entered the competition and have reached the final 12 after a tough year their son Ross and daughter Shannon.

Ross, then eight, underwent a bone marrow operation earlier this year to give his sister, who suffers from acute myeloid leukaemia, hope for the future.

Shannon spent six months isolated in a hospital room but her parents are hopeful that their son's gift will help her to recover.

The family were chosen after Lynsey and Euan wrote a letter to Bernard Matthews, which runs the competition.

It said: "Shannon went into isolation with only her parents allowed in and Ross was put into a room next door.

"Shannon had to endure terrible side effects including a serious lung infection and put on oxygen."

The family will find out later this month if they have been chosen for the trip.