Work to transform a paddling pool in Nairn into a children’s water play area is to start next week in memory of Hamish Hey.
The eight-year-old, from the town, died in 2017 from a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer Metastatic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, and an inoperable brainstem tumour.
In his memory, his family established Team Hamish to raise funds to create a splash pad, with sprinklers and jets, on the site of the town’s existing paddling pool at Nairn Links.
Ground works on the splash pad, which will be the first of its kind in the north, was due to commence in March – however these were put on hold due to the global pandemic.
Now three months on, work is to get under way.
Tragically, Hamish’s mum Susan died just weeks ago following her own battle with breast cancer.
Susan’s husband and co-founder of Team Hamish, Sam, said the facility will be a “lasting legacy for both Hamish and Susan”.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted that after over three years of fundraising, the first phase of our #TeamHamish proposals are finally coming to fruition.
“This represents positive progress for Nairn, it’s Community and beyond and is a bright sparkle of rainbow light shining through the difficulties of recent months, as well as the creation of a lasting legacy for both Hamish and Susan.”
Ground works on the 2,000 sq ft area will begin on Monday by Kent-based contractors Ustigate Ltd marking phase one of the four month project.
Three workers will remain on site for the first three weeks of the works, establishing the site for construction and demolishing the existing paddling pool.
Protective barriers will be erected around the site to ensure a safe distance between workers and the general public, in adherence with government measures.
The splash pad is a jointly funded project between #TeamHamish, NICE, Nairn Common Good and Highland Council and is the result of extensive engagement with the community in Nairn.
Councillor Tom Heggie, chairman of the Nairn and Nairnshire committee said: “Whilst the Council, Team Hamish and NICE are pleased that work is about to begin, we all acknowledge that it is with great sadness that Susan Hey, who had looked forward to this so much and done so much to bring it about, is unable to be with us to see this happen.”
