Amelia Jo Kelly, pupil at Drummond School and namesake of Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards (AYHA), this week presented a cheque for £9,156 to Mark Elvines, Headteacher at Drummond School.
The money was raised by Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards 2023 which took place on 1st September.
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.
The event, sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies, has Drummond School as its nominated charity.
Each year, more local businesses and generous families across the Highlands have come forward to support AYHA including Cru Hospitality, North Coast Cars, Orion Group, the Midge Bite Café, Stay at Clarsach, R&B’s Inverness, Dicksons of Inverness, the Banister family, Inverness Trophy Centre, Miele’s Gelateria, GEG Capital, Whale-like-fish, Aurora Design Studio and Stevenson’s Forge.
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 £80,000.
“Amelia is now nine years old and continues to thrive against the odds thanks to the amazing team at Drummond School.
“My family is grateful for everything that Drummond does for Amelia and her friends, and this money will help fund new resources to make their time at Drummond even more special.
“I want to thank everybody who played a part in this year’s awards.
“The local businesses who sponsored the awards, those who donated raffle prizes, my team of helpers who give up their time, Dan and Grace who hosted the ceremony, and everybody who bought a ticket and donated money.
“Thank you.”
Mark Elvines, Headteacher at Drummond School, added:
“We are thrilled to receive this kind donation which we will use to purchase playground equipment to improve this area for our pupils.
“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.
“A heartfelt thank you to Amelia and her family and everybody that supported Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards.”
