Kayla appeal hits goal in six hours

THE ‘ SADDEST day ever’ for a Dunbeg family saw an unprecedented turnout for the funeral of eight-year- old Kayla MacDonald.

Kayla was killed while out on a walk with her grandparents in a forest at Benderloch.

Words such as ‘precious’, ‘kind’ and ‘joyful’ were used during a service in Oban Parish Church.

Kayla was the only daughter of parents Karina MacPherson and Alastair ‘Ettie’ MacDonald. Kayla is survived by two younger brothers.

Kayla was a pupil at the Gaelic unit at Rockfield Primary School in Oban. Moving words written by her teacher Claire Jordan were printed in last week’s Oban Times. Her cousin, Caitlin MacPherson, was also injured in the incident, which involved a pile of timber. She is said to be in a ‘stable’ condition.

A JustGiving.com charity page, set up to support the family, saw tributes pour in from all over the world.

The funding goal of £5,000 was overtaken in just six hours with more than £13,500 being donated to the family at the time The Oban Times went to press. The fund to help support the family has been left open for further donations.

Lachie Brown, a cousin of Kayla’s dad, set up the page.

Lachie told The Oban Times he set it up to ‘support the family as they try to get through this terrible time’. He wrote: ‘Kayla lit up any room with her huge bright smile and will always be remembered for her fun-loving personality.

‘I wanted to do this because I have been contacted by so many people wanting to give support and send flowers. So I set up a fundraising page as another option to try to help support Kayla’s family through this extremely difficult time.

‘Please don’t feel obliged but anything you can donate would be hugely appreciated.’

The organisers of this year’s Lorn Show have cancelled the event as a mark of respect for Kayla and her family.

The family have considerable farming connections in the area and on Tiree. Kayla had been the top young sheep handler at the recent Tiree Show.

The Lorn Show was due to be held on Saturday August 5 on Tralee beach, Benderloch.