THE family of little Logan Mowatt have expressed their sincere thanks to all those who have helped them cope with the youngster's illness, recently.

After complaining of sore legs and fatigue, the six-year-old was taken into hospital following a trip to his GP.

On New Year's Eve, the family was told Logan likely had leukaemia, with the diagnosis confirmed a few days later.

Since then, the youngster has been battling the illness, as well as the effects of the treatment, while at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

And with the financial implications for mum Suzanne travelling back and forth to Glasgow, a caring band of friends launched a community fundraiser charge to help out.

They put up a Just Giving page, and arranged for a charity night at Sauchie Hall on Saturday – one well-attended by dozens in Clacks.

The event was organised by Jill Collins, Chris Chalk and Steven Craig, with around £1,300 raised on the evening alone.

Currently, their grand total for Logan's family is more than £3,000 – a tremendous feat for the group.

And more is still likely to come in, with Tullibody man Stuart Hall and his sons pledging to take on a mammoth 'hike and bike' fundraiser this summer.

Mum Suzanne said: "I would like to thank everyone for coming and everyone for donating. A special thanks to the DJ Stuart Hall for helping out and for doing his coming walk.

"Also, a massive thanks to Jill, Chris and Steven and everyone else that organised and helped out with everything.

"I'm truly grateful for everything that's been done and for all money raised."

There was plenty entertainment on the night, with dozens of raffle prizes amassed from generous donations from a wide range of businesses.

Rangers, Celtic, Stirling Albion, Alloa, Dunfermline and St Johnstone all contributed, along with Frankies and Benny's in Stirling, Bar Aldo's, Mr Singh's, Kidz World, the Mansfield Arms in Sauchie, the Abercromby Arms and Physioem Therapies in Sauchie.

Logan's uncle and his Suzanne's partner also agreed to swap their Rangers and Celtic tops for the night, while a few males went one better with their wardrobe choice, dressing up as famous women for a celebrity lip-sync contest.

A brave handful also took on the leg waxing, with one saving a few strips of hair for Logan to complete when he's better.

It was hoped that Menstrie youngster might have been well enough to attend the fundraiser himself though he wasn't able to in the end.

But there could be a little surprise in the form of Rangers mascot Broxi Bear who will be paying the youngster a visit after he returns from hospital.

Jill said: "Unfortunately, Logan was unable to make it along; there was a sickness bug in the house and there was no way the doctors were letting him out.

"But he was outside for the first time in seven weeks on Sunday and, hopefully, he'll get home at some point this week."

Jill added: "I just want to thank everyone who helped; Ann and Russell Burke who raised money with the leg wax.

"Another thanks to Craig from the Royal Oak and Dave from the Oakwood – they were a big help, along with Stuart Hall for DJ-ing for nothing.

"So many help out and we've now raised over £3,000. We'll also be making a sizeable donation to the hospital in the near future.