MSP set for Kiltwalk
AN MSP will join a local charity at this year’s Kiltwalk on April 28 to raise funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Paul O’Kane will be walking with Another Star in the Sky in memory of Ahmar Javed who passed away in 2017 due to a rare undiagnosed condition called arteriovenous malformation ( AVM).
Ahmar, whose parents set up the charity after his tragic death, was born with the condition where his blood vessels and veins were tangled.
His condition was undiagnosed until he suffered a bleed on the brain at a karate practice in April 2017.
He passed away 10 days later. The proceeds from the walk will go towards AVM research and other rare conditions at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
The aim is to fund bereavement services and to raise awareness of the need for improved bereavement education.
The Labour MSP previously published a Holyrood motion highlighting Ahmar’s sister Mariya’s efforts in raising thousands of pounds for AVM research.
The Elderslie teen was named Glasgow Times’ Young Scotswoman of the Year in 2021.
Mr O’Kane said: “It was as 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.”
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.”
Kirsten Watson, chief executive officer at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are
so grateful to the Javed family for their dedicated fundraising in memory of Ahmar, and to everyone who will walk with them later this month.
“Mariya’s eighth Kiltwalk will be particularly poignant, as this year would have been Ahmar’s 21st birthday.
“The family’s incredible support for other families in hospital ensures that Ahmar’s star and legacy shines on.”