Inspirational youngsters from across the Highlands are to be celebrated once again as entries for the second Young Highlander Awards are now open.
The ceremony, which celebrates the achievement of Highlanders under the age of 16 who have shown great courage in the face of adversity or served as an inspiration to others, will take place at the Drummossie Hotel in Inverness on Friday August 30 with funds raised from the event going towards the children’s ward of Raigmore Hospital.
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The Young Highlander Awards were created in honour of Amelia Macrae by her mother Kelly.
Amelia was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 3lb and was placed on a ventilator. At age two she was diagnosed with global development delay, before at age three she was diagnosed with autism and being non-verbal.
During these and other challenges faced by Amelia, Mrs Macrae made a promise that for every year of Amelia’s fight, she would fundraise for a charity for her birthday.
Amelia is now four years old and is still fighting, and the Young Highlander Awards 2019 will mark Amelia’s fifth birthday.
Mrs Macrae said: “I’m delighted to launch the Young Highlander Awards 2019 and begin our search for inspirational young people in the region.
“Following the success of last year’s awards, in which we handed over £8,000 to the Raigmore Hospital Children’s Ward for a magic carpet, we now hope to raise £15,000 for a sensory room on the ward.
“The 2019 awards will be the culmination of fundraising events throughout the year and gives us the opportunity to honour the amazing things done by young people in the Highlands.”
A fundraising target of £15,000 has been set for this year’s event, with all children under the age of 16 living in the Highlands area are eligible to enter as many of the award categories.
Sponsors are still sought for two of the awards which will be awarded for Special Recognition in Memory and the Child Hero Award.
Mrs Macrae added: “We’re looking for a further two corporate sponsors so I’d encourage any local businesses interested in supporting and raising funds for the children’s ward to get in touch.
“If you’d like to nominate a child that has done something special, cares for someone, has fundraised for charity or has shown courage or bravery, please do so on the Press and Journal website.
“I can’t wait to read about the amazing children in our region and honour them at the awards.”
Entry is possible through the Press and Journal website with permission from parents or guardians of nominees required first.
Physical entry forms are also available by emailing ameliascbu@gmail.com or by telephoning Kelly on 07494 437464.
For those unable to make the event, or keen to contribute to the fundraising effort, a JustGiving page has been launched at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-macrae3
