A mum has managed to raise £13,000 to spruce up her local pre-school’s play area – while juggling looking after her son and two jobs.
Anna Mackay launched the project to improve Bourtree Pre-School’s garden and play area when her son Kaeden attended.
After he left to go to Portlethen Primary School, Mrs Mackay decided to continue her mission – securing £10,000 from the National Lottery Fund and other financial support from various groups including Portlethen and Newtonhill community councils.
The garden now includes a balancing beam, musical trail, stepping stones, a new see-saw and an upgraded bugs and beasties corner. There is also a paved area so the children can ride their bikes and scooters easily.
Yesterday, four years after the campaign was launched, mother and son returned to officially open the new play area.
The pre-school committee surprised the 38-year-old by revealing the area has been named “Anna’s Garden” in recognition of her efforts. A plaque has also been put onto a bench.
Mrs Mackay, who managed the project while five-year-old Kaeden and working two jobs, said she was “overwhelmed” at the gesture and thanked the various groups and individuals who made the transformation possible.
The beauty therapist and cleaner, of Aspen Way, Portlethen, said: “The kids are absolutely loving it, it’s made a massive difference to all the children there.
“Kaeden loved going to Bourtree, he had a fantastic two years there. I was vice-chairwoman of the committee when he was there, and felt that if I gave up the fundraising campaign halfway through it would be difficult for someone else to pick up so just decided to carry on. I quite enjoyed it.
“There’s been a lot of help by a local of people though.
“The play area is brilliant, it’s really made a such a difference. It’s good for the kids to get out and about and they enjoy their outdoor play as much as their inside play.”
There are 64 youngsters aged two to five now enjoying the new play area, which was carefully planned to make the most of the space.
The pre-school is a charity run by a committee of parents, and is based at Bourtree Hall, Portlethen.
Manager Lena Craighead praised Mrs Mackay’s efforts, adding: “Anna worked tirelessly to get the funding.
“When one door opens another closes, and the fact Anna continued working so hard after she had left the group is brilliant.”