An Elderslie schoolgirl who is devoted to honouring her late brother is once again taking on a charity challenge.
Mariya Javed, 13, will join family members and friends for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 30, to coin in cash for Another Star in the Sky.
The charity was set up by Mariya’s parents after her brother Ahmar tragically passed away in 2017, aged just 13.
Ahmar was born with the condition arteriovenous malformation, which meant his blood vessels and veins were tangled.
It had been undiagnosed until he suffered a bleed on the brain at karate practice in April 2017. He passed away 10 days later.
His devastated parents Sameena and Javed set up Another Star in the Sky, which aims to fund research into rare diseases and help support child bereavement services and create a positive legacy for Ahmar.
The family have so far raised around £20,000 for the cause, with Mariya taking part in six Kiltwalks to raise funds, as well as 10k charity walks, bucket collections and an endurance challenge at her martial arts club.
Mariya said she has met many “lovely people” at previous Kiltwalk events and it was always very humbling and inspiring to hear their stories.
She said: “In a way, it’s a sad event for us because it’s always held around the time I lost my big brother, but I’m happy that I can do this to raise money that will hopefully help others and make my big brother proud of me.
“As always, I’m very grateful to all the lovely friends who are joining me for the Kiltwalk and to those who have sponsored me.”
Mariya was named the Young Inspirational Renfrewshire Citizen at a new awards ceremony in 2021.
Renfrewshire Inspirational Awards were set up to help celebrate the very best in the community.
And caring Mariya was the joint winner of the young person’s award for her work with charity, Another Star in the Sky.
She won the accolade alongside the anti-bullying charity, I Am Me Scotland kids.
She is also a young ambassador for the Miracle Foundation, a Motherwell-based charity that supports young people who have experienced bereavement and trauma.
Mariya’s proud mum Sameena added: “She is looking forward to this year’s Kiltwalk but it falls on the exact date that we lost our son, so it’s very bittersweet.
“People often say that it gets easier as time passes but I would disagree, as it gets harder when you think of all the milestones that Ahmar is missing.
“Thankfully we’ve got a good support network and it’s things like that which keep you going.”
As well as winning the Renfrewshire Inspirational Award, Mariya was also named one of 11 Kiltwalk Heroes at a ceremony in 2022.
At the time, Mariya said: “I want to try to become a good person.
“I want to hopefully help other people and keep my brother’s memory alive and to create a legacy for him.”
To show your support for Mariya’s fundraising efforts, visit the link here
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