Elderslie schoolgirl to take on Kiltwalk in memory of brother

Mariya Javed, 13, will join family members and friends for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 30 to coin in cash for Another Star in the Sky.

The fundraising campaign was set up in 2017 following the tragic death of her older sibling Ahmar, who suffered from an illness known as Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) that caused him to suddenly develop a bleed on the brain.

His parents Sameena and Javed had to take the agonising decision to turn off the 13-year-old's life support machine 10 days after he took ill while at a karate class.

Sameena launched Another Star in the Sky, in association with the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, to raise funds for more research into the disease and help other young people going through similar battles.

Mariya with sibling Ahmar (Image: Sameena Javed)

The family have so far raised around £20,000 for the cause, with Mariya taking part in six Kiltwalks to raise funds, as well as 10k charity walks, bucket collections and an endurance challenge.

Last year, the Castlehead High pupil was named Young Scotswoman of the Year, awarded by our sister title the Glasgow Times, for her caring efforts.

Mariya said she had met many "lovely people" at previous Kiltwalk events and it was always very humbling and inspiring to hear their stories.

She told The Gazette: "In a way, it's a sad event for us because it's always held around the time I lost my big brother, but I'm happy that I can do this to raise money that will hopefully help others and make my big brother proud of me.

"As always, I'm very grateful to all the lovely friends who are joining me for the Kiltwalk and to those who have sponsored me. 

Mariya Javed with her Young Scotswoman of the Year trophy (Image: Newsquest)

"Special thanks to everyone at Castlehead High School and Wallace Primary School for their continued support and to the staff from St Benedict's High School, who will also be joining us this year."

Mariya's proud mum Sameena added: "She is looking forward to this year's Kiltwalk but it falls on the exact date that we lost our son, so it's very bittersweet.

"People often say that it gets easier as time passes but I would disagree, as it gets harder when you think of all the milestones that Ahmar is missing. 

"Thankfully we've got a good support network and it's things like that which keep you going."

To show your support for Mariya's fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/Sameena-Javed2.