TRANENT teenager Niamh Yates and her mum Julie took child cancer campaign Glow Gold September to the Scottish Parliament.

Niamh, 16, was diagnosed with an undifferentiated sarcoma on her lower spine when she was 12 years old.

She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and then proton beam therapy in Florida and has been in remission since November 2012.

Her battle inspired mum Julie to start campaigning for more support for children with cancer and their families.

Part of her campaign was to have September recognised as Child Cancer Awareness Month, and the pair joined other families in persuading councils and organisations to light up public buildings in gold throughout the month.

The Glow Gold September campaign headed for Holyrood, and Julie and Niamh joined East Lothian MSP Iain Gray at the Scottish Parliament to watch a debate by MSPs who highlighted the campaign, its important messages about childhood cancer and the support needed by children and families affected by it.

Julie said: “We want to improve the profile of childhood cancer in line with that of the more well-known adult cancers. Glow Gold September is an international effort to help raise awareness.

“Our aim is to ensure the colour gold becomes synonymous with childhood cancer and the awareness month. Having so many iconic buildings on board is a great way to spread the message.”

The campaign has received the support of various organisations and businesses, with iconic buildings throughout the country illuminating in gold from dusk until dawn during September. Prominent buildings participating included Edinburgh Castle, St Andrew’s House, the Scottish Government HQ, and the Falkirk Wheel.

In Haddington, East Lothian Council’s headquarters, John Muir House, were also bathed in gold.

Mr Gray said he was delighted to meet up with Julie and Niamh at the Scottish Parliament.

He said: “Julie has been a key member of the group of parents behind the campaign, which has lit up iconic buildings around the UK and beyond to help focus attention on childhood cancer during the month of September.

“Julie and the other campaigners have done a remarkable job promoting this campaign and helping to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Their hard work has helped to ensure the Glow Gold message has been heard loud and clear. I’ll continue to support the campaign and do all I can to help promote awareness about childhood cancer.”

For more information, see facebook.com/GlowGoldSeptember