AN MSP will join a local charity at this year's Kiltwalk to raise funds for Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital Charity.

Paul O’Kane will be walking in memory of Ahmar Javed whose parents, from Elderslie, set up the charity Another Star in the Sky after he tragically passed away in 2017.

Ahmar was born with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which meant his blood vessels and veins were tangled. It had been undiagnosed until he suffered a bleed on the brain at karate practice in April 2017.

He passed away just ten days later, aged 13.

The money raised will help fund research into AVM and other rare conditions, go towards funding bereavement services and raise awareness of the need for improved bereavement education.

The Labour MSP has previously published a motion in the Scottish Parliament to highlight efforts made by Mariya Javed, Ahmar’s sister, in raising thousands of pounds for AVM research.

In 2021, Mariya was named Glasgow Times' Young Scotswoman of the Year.

This will be Mariya’s eighth Kiltwalk with it being particularly poignant as this year it would have been Ahmar’s 21st birthday.

Mariya said: "I would like to say a big thank you to Mr O'Kane for joining us at this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk.

“It means such a lot to have his support, along with everyone else in team Another Star in the Sky.

“Hopefully, we can raise our largest amount to date and help others who may sadly find themselves in a situation similar to mine.”

To promote the walk O’Kane met with Mariya, her mum Sameena, as well as Tom Arthur MSP and the rest of the Another Star in the Sky team outside Saint Benedict’s High School.

The MSP said: “It was an honour to be asked to join Sameena and Mariya and all the Another Star in the Sky team on this walk.

“They’re not only keeping Ahmar’s memory alive but they’re ensuring that a big part of his legacy will be other families getting a greater understanding and awareness about AVM and having improved bereavement support that’s so badly needed.

“I’m sure we will have a great day walking and chatting and I hope we raise as much money as possible.”