Amelia Jo Kelly marked her eighth birthday by gifting Drummond School £3,750 to improve its outdoor space for pupils.
The money was raised through efforts by Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards which took place at the end of August when 14 inspirational young people from the Highlands were recognised.
Amelia has complex needs with global development delay, autism, epilepsy and is also non-verbal.
Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards was set up by Amelia’s mother Kelly Macrae in honour of Amelia to recognise inspirational young people in the Highlands.
Its recent event, which was sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies, raised £7,500 for NHS Play Specialists and Drummond School, where Amelia attends.
Speaking about the presentation to Drummond School, Kelly Macrae said:
“Amelia was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 3lb and was placed on a ventilator.
“In those very early days, I told Amelia to ‘keep on swimming’ and made a promise that I would raise money for the institutions that help her and gift it on her birthday every year.
“I have kept that promise and so far, we have raised over £70,000.
“I’m delighted that, as Amelia turns eight, she has presented a cheque to Drummond School, an amazing institution which has played such an important role in her continued development.”
Mark Elvines, Headteacher at Drummond School, added:
“We are thrilled to receive this kind donation which we will use to purchase playground equipment such as climbing frames and sand pits.
“The outdoor space is an important part of the mix of experiences we aim to provide here at Drummond and Amelia and her school friends will benefit greatly.
“For Amelia to hand over the cheque personally makes it even more special.”
The remaining £3,750 of the total raised at this year’s Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards will be given to the NHS Play Specialists at Raigmore Hospital in the next few weeks.
