Connie’s hill climb tops £300
Tot’s Ochils fundraiser
Courageous Clacks youngster Connie Macmillan raised more than £300 by overcoming a chronic fatigue condition to climb the Ochils.
The three-year-old, who suffers from type 3 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, was joined by dad Arran, grandfather Andrew, godfather Bruce McAdam and pet husky Hunter on a Sunday morning fundraising trek.
The aim of the walk was to raise cash for the United Together foundation, which campaigns against bullying and discrimination.
Connie’s condition can cause extreme fatigue and joint problems but she did not let that get in her way as she set off from Upper Mill Street in Tillicoultry and headed north to scale the nearby heights.
Proud dad Arran, from Coalsnaughton, said: “She was fantastic. She managed to get more than halfway on her own and we carried her the rest of the way. It was a mammoth task for her but we’re all very proud.
“There was a Hallowe’en theme and we did plan to go in fancy dress but it was a little too cold. Bruce did end up doing the walk in his wife’s clothing though.
“It was good fun. We all enjoyed it, even if Bruce did end up being pulled down the hill by the dog.”
Type 3 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is an inherited condition that weakens connective tissue, also affects Connie’s mum Fardos.
Despite her condition, Connie leads an active lifestyle, attending Coalsnaughton Nursery and doing gymnastics three times each week.
Fardos told the Observer: “Like her mum, she is very stubborn and won’t let this get the better of her.”
The fundraiser has been organised through the Junior Miss Scotland pageant, of which Connie
We did plan to go in fancy dress but it was a little too cold