The latest event for Taylor’s Fight 4 Sight campaign has raised £400 towards the toddler’s stem cell treatment abroad.

Locals bopped and boogied along to live DJ sets at Soul Night in Whitburn Juniors Social Club on Friday, June 15.

As readers of s1bathgate will know, two-year-old Taylor Johnson suffers from a congenital syndrome which causes blindness. Her only chance at being able to see is a £12,000 stem-cell treatment, only available in China.

Taylor’s mum, Tia Aitken, was delighted at the latest fundraiser. She said: “There weren’t as many people there as we had expected but we still managed to raise £400, which was really good.”

Sandy Jack, who organised the event, told s1bathgate: “Everyone had a ball, we raised 400 quid!” He also praised people for coming along and showing their support. He added: “I would like to thank everybody who turned up and donated and danced. I can’t thank you guys enough.”

Unfortunately, Tia was unable to attend the Soul Night because Taylor’s medical needs make it difficult to leave her with a babysitter. Tia said: “She’s on quite a lot of medication. She has to take a hormone injection at night which only her Dad and I can give her.”

After Friday’s fundraiser, Taylor’s family are more than halfway towards the £12,000 needed for her stem cell treatment. But Tia added that there is still a long way to go.

She said: “We’re nearly at £8,000. It’s £12,000 for the treatment but I also need to start fundraising for flights. I reckon we’ll need another £3,000 for the flights, insurance and visas. I’m hoping to be able to fly out next year.

“I was planning on going just myself with Taylor because it’s so expensive but I didn’t want to have to take my wee boy with me. He’ll be two next year and at that age children are more predictable so I’ll be able to leave him with his gran. Right now he’s too young. Also, that gives Taylor a year to settle in at nursery. She starts in August.

“We’re not too far away from the target; it’s just taking so long. It’s really difficult to get people and companies to help out. I’ve spent a fortune on stamps sending letters to companies.

"Bag packing is fully-booked up until next year, which is a pity because that’s an easy way to raise money.  I've asked for a slot next year but hopefully we’ll have raised enough by then to get Taylor's treatment.”

You can read all about Taylor’s Fight 4 Sight campaign on s1 here. To donate to Taylor’s Fight 4 Sight, click here.  If you wish to help with fundraising, contact t.aitken88@hotmail.com