Charitable north golfers have pitched in to help improve the quality of life of a little boy who needs round-the-clock care.
Four-year-old Kieran McKelvie-Walker, who attends the nursery at Brora Primary School, suffers from autism, epilepsy, asthma and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition that can cause the heart to beat abnormally fast.
He requires full-time care and support and regularly has to attend hospital.
Kieran’s father Drew McKelvie is a chef at Royal Dornoch Golf Club and when officials at the club heard of the family’s fundraising efforts to buy equipment to keep Kieran safe and relaxed, they decided to help out
The club has donated £1,000 from its Captain’s Charity Fund to help create a safe space for the youngster.
This includes a padded area where Kieran can play with soft balls, a UV light source and a soft glow blanket to help relaxation and was designed to be similar to a facility at Raigmore Hospital where the youngster had received treatment.
Mr McKelvie said: “This is a space where Kieran can go to relax and be safe with no worries of injury from having a seizure.
“The clear balls are not vibrant so are more relaxing, while he also loves to play with the changing coloured lights on him.
“Because of his autism, Kieran also has trouble sleeping and needs three sleeping tablets a night. His blanket helps to calm him down before he goes to bed.
“The UV light adds to the sensory room experience of his bedroom. We have noticed his mood has changed and he has become calmer while spending time there.
“The equipment he now has replicates facilities he had in hospital and we are extremely grateful to the golf club for its generosity which has made a big difference to Kieran’s life.”
Neil Hampton, Royal Dornoch’s general manager, added: “We heard about Drew’s efforts to raise money to help Kieran and were eager to help in any way we could.
“We are delighted Kieran now has a place he feels relaxed and safe which improves the quality of life for both him and his family.”
The club’s charity fund is raised through taking a percentage of green fees over a season.