A DUNFERMLINE business owner has helped raise more than £1,000 for the family of 'Wee Michael'.

Colin Dalgity was moved by nine-year-old Michael Gartshore's story as he battles a rare and potentially life-threatening condition.

The Press has followed the youngster's journey over recent months and last week reported that his family were hoping life will get back to normal after he underwent a stem cell transplant.

His brave little sister, Charlotte, proved to be an exact match in their search for a donor.

After hearing of Wee Michael's story from a friend, Colin decided to take action and started a charity raffle aiming to raise as much as possible.

He told the Press: "When you hear a story like that, you have got to do something to help and get the word out.

"I heard about what he's gone through and I wanted to raise awareness and money.

"I got in touch with the family to ask if it was okay that I started the raffle, and they were over the moon.

"Every penny raised will be going directly to them and hopefully it can go towards giving Michael and his sister a treat, and the day-to-day expenses the family have to pay.

"I think they felt like no-one really realised what they were going through but I think this has shown that people – strangers – do care."

Michael, who is fighting Severe Aplastic Anaemia (SAA), underwent his stem cell transplant in December.

The operation has proved to be successful so far but life continues to be challenging for him and he has picked up two viruses since.

Colin, who runs Reflections Detailing, offered the winner of the raffle car detailing and coating worth £500.

And in the past few years, along with his two kids, Amy, 10, and Corey, seven, they have raised around £4,000 for local good causes.

He was delighted with the generosity of those who took part.

He said: "Around 150 people decided to donate.

"It was only £5 to enter but there were people paying £10, £15 and £20 instead.

"It's a cause close to home, and it shows that people do care."

Tracey was delighted to receive the donation, and commented: "We are very thankful and the raffle raised a lot of money to help us out and give the kids a well-deserved treat after all they have been through. Michael; for enduring chemotherapy and a transplant and all the things that come hand in hand with that! Being isolated and not yet being able to live like a normal wee boy (yet!) 

"And also for Charlotte for undergoing an operation to save wee Michael's life."