Brave Cupar girl gets set to meet the Queen

Agatha King (5) will head to Holyrood tomorrow (Saturday) after being nominated by North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie to attend the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament.

As part of the search for Scotland’s local heroes, MSPs had been asked to nominate one of their constituents in recognition of the important work they do to help others or their community.

Mr Rennie chose Agatha in recognition of her fundraising efforts for cancer charities, despite having to endure gruelling treatment.

When Agatha knew she would lose her hair she touched people’s hearts by having her long blonde hair cut off to donate it to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer to help others before undergoing chemotherapy.

“I’m really excited and a little bit nervous about seeing the Queen in Parliament but it’s good that it’s raising awareness,” said Agatha.

“And it’s good to have some holiday time out of hospital with my mum and dad!”

The youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February last year, when she was just four and her mum Karen was 16 weeks pregnant with her little sister Meredith. Agatha also has a younger brother, Bacchus.

She’s undergone extensive treatment and has missed out on a lot of normal life because her chemotherapy left her prone to infection.

“We had a really dreadful month in June,” said Karen.

“Agatha contracted chickenpox and was admitted to hospital. She was given acyclovir but reacted to this and her kidneys became distressed. She also caught strep A and this led to more antibiotics but also caused high blood pressure and low heart rate.

“Her little body couldn’t cope and she had a massive seizure and was intubated and sedated.

“She was transferred to Edinburgh and also diagnosed with partial collapsed lung and pneumonia – so she’s had a mega tough time.

“I had my tonsils out three days later and was readmitted to hospital with an infection. Agatha has been unable to return to school because there are still lots of cases of chickenpox about.

“So this is something really lovely to look forward too. There is a possibility we may meet the Queen!”

Willie Rennie said: “The work that Agatha has done to support such charities as the Little Princess Trust and CClasp is fantastic and a real inspiration.

“I’m proud to be nominating Agatha as a local hero and amazed by her enthusiasm and positive attitude.”