A Scottish schoolgirl has been affectionately named ‘Kid Courage’ by one of her ice hockey heroes following a gruelling five-hour spine surgery. Leah MacMillan, aged 12, received a special visit from four players of the Glasgow Clan ice hockey team to lift her spirits during her recovery. Leah was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition causing curvature of the spine, requiring immediate surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. The intricate five-hour operation involved affixing two steel rods along each side of her spine to correct the curvature.
Upon returning home to East Kilbride, Leah’s parents, Douglas and Lisa, reached out to the Clan to request a message of encouragement. To their surprise, Clan stars Landon Bow, Mike Pelech, Rob Lachowicz and Mitchell Heard personally visited Leah at her home. Rob expressed admiration for Leah’s resilience, describing her as “one tough cookie.” He found her inspirational and dubbed her as ‘Kid Courage’. Douglas expressed gratitude for the successful surgery, highlighting the positive impact on Leah’s future well-being. Leah, now taller by two-and-a-half inches post-surgery, eagerly looks forward to returning to support her favourite ice hockey team at Braehead.
The heartwarming encounter with the Clan players left Leah overjoyed, with signed memorabilia adding to the memorable experience. Despite facing challenges, Leah’s determination and positivity shine through, earning her the endearing nickname ‘Kid Courage’. The support from her sporting heroes has undoubtedly boosted her spirits and motivated her on the path to recovery. The Clan’s initiative to reach out to Leah demonstrates the power of community and compassion in uplifting individuals during challenging times. Leah’s resilience and enthusiasm to return to cheering for her beloved team reflect her remarkable spirit and determination.