Leanne Clydesdale, from Clackmannan, raises funds for Liam McLaughlin's fight against cancer

Dad-of-one Liam McLaughlin, who stays in Australia, was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiform nearly a year ago.

In response to the news, loved ones came together to raise more than $60,000 - allowing him receive alternative treatment in Germany.

Now, Leanne Clydesdale from Clackmannan has organised two events to help top-up the funds.

She will take on a daunting skydive and has arranged a disco at Alloa Town Hall, both taking place next month.

The 32-year-old is an old school friend of Liam's wife Kate and hearing of their struggle "struck a chord" with her.

She said: "This is very important to me as it's an issue close to my heart. We have all been affected somehow by cancer and very rarely get the chance to do something about it.

"Kate is a very good friend and if I have the chance to make a difference and help her even a little bit then I would do anything. 

"I would just ask anyone who wants to help a local family make a difference in their life, and allow them to spend even an extra year together, to please donate as generously as they can. 

"I wanted to do something a bit more extreme than your ordinary sponsored event. I thought being terrified of heights and jumping out of a plane would be a good way of getting people to sponsor or donate generously. 

"Then having an event where all the families can come together and have a good time is a great way of celebrating how everyone has clubbed together and raised lots of money for such a worthy and wonderful family."

Liam, 29, is currently undergoing treatment in Germany and prior to that had a 5cm tumour removed from the left side of his brain, with a further mass taken out before Christmas.

Originally, he didn't want any fundraising but friends who were concerned about the family's future financial situation started organising events in Perth and in Scotland.

Kate, mum to baby Molly, said: "Liam wasn't working and we were unsure of how long the company he was working for were planning on continuing his salary.

"But the money raised was greatly appreciated as it helped pay towards natural therapies that have lots of beneficial effects on the likes of cancer.

"The response has been magnificent, from all our close friends and of course our family, but from complete strangers -- that's the one that just makes us speechless. 

"So much of the target was reached from complete strangers that saw us on the Channel 9 news here in Perth; it's come from all people in all different situations and their beautiful words to support our family have really resonated within us.

"This whole year has been completely overwhelming and been such a whirlwind -- it's hard to find the time to just stop and breathe. 

"I think when this is all over every emotion that we have blocked out just to get through every day will hit us, but we are forever grateful for everything everyone has done for Liam and it will always be something we'll think upon through all of our lives."

The family are documenting the battle on Facebook and have been fundraising via My Cause -- both under Liam McLaughlin - Big Clugs Fight against cancer -- and Liam is also uploading video updates on the social media page.

Those in Clackmannanshire can also get behind them by donating to Leanne's skydive, or heading along to the fundraising disco next month.

The event takes place on Saturday, March 19, between 7.30pm and 12.30am and tickets are priced at £5 -- get in touch on 07975520214.

Kate said: "Leanne is doing a sky dive, that's something I'd never have her down for so I know this will be no mean feat for her. 

"I hope everyone supports and sponsors her as I'm sure it will encourage her out the door of that little plane. 

"Knowing we no longer live in Scotland but are still thought of so lovingly is such a precious feeling -- we never guess at just what our family and friends will do for us."