When Kelly MacRae’s daughter was born at just 32 weeks, weighing 3lb, she promised to mark the special day every year.
And now, inspiring youngsters from across the Highlands are to be commended for their achievements as the Inverness mum launches awards night on Amelia’s fourth birthday.
Mrs MacRae, 38, said: “I went for my 32-week scan and I thought I was having Braxton Hicks contractions but I was actually in full blown labour.
“Amelia was born premature at 32 weeks at just 3lb. She was put on a ventilator at birth and we made her a promise that if she survived, every year on her birthday, rather than have the memories of what happened that day we would turn it into a charity event and raise money for local charities.”
Amelia was born with Autism and Global Development Delay (GDD) and has had more than 50 hospital admissions battling various illnesses and infections.
She added: “We have spent months in and out the children’s ward because Amelia has been poorly.
“Amelia is amazing, she takes everything in her stride we are so proud of her. She came into this world fighting and is still fighting and nothing gets her down; she is the happiest little person you will meet.”
The mum-of-five will host Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards at the Drumossie Hotel on August 31 from 7pm with tickets costing £40.
At total of ten awards will be presented on the night for a number of accolades honouring bravery, courage and good including the Amelia’s keep on swimming award, given to a child who started life fighting and continues to do so every day.
All proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the Raigmore Hospital’s Children’s Ward Play Specialists to purchase an £8,000 ‘magic carpet’ – an interactive device used to keep children suffering from autism and global development delay calm whilst in hospital.
She added: “There are so many deserving children in the Highlands that deserve to be noticed and deserve their five minutes to shine. We are looking for businesses that would be willing to sponsor an award.
“I want to get over £30,000 in Amelia’s name by her fourth birthday; we are at £25,000 at the moment. I’m so excited about the whole thing; it’s going to be an amazing night.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring should email Mrs MacRae at ameliascbu@gmail.com.
