Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘The support has been
Little Freya’s parents will take part in Nevis climb
THE dad of Dundee girl Freya Skene says he has been “overwhelmed” with the support his family has received since her tragic death.
Robert Skene is now gearing up to take on a series of fundraising challenges in memory of his seven-year-old daughter – starting with a trip up Ben Nevis this weekend alongside his friends and Freya’s mum.
The 29-year-old from Stobswell said it had been a difficult few weeks but said the reaction of local people had helped the family cope with their loss.
Freya, from Wolsely Street, was swept to her death while playing at the fairy pools at the Hermitage, near Dunkeld.
Her mum Brooke Reid was with her at the time and had to be taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment.
Hundreds of mourners attended Freya’s funeral on July 17, with her coffin carried by a horse-drawn carriage, inspired by her love of fairytale princesses, after a fundraiser collected more than £20,000 to pay for the service.
Speaking just a day after what would have been Freya’s eighth birthday on Saturday, Robert said: “Everyone has been incredible. It is all very surreal still but the support from the local community and the people of Dundee has been overwhelming.”
Robert will join the weekend activities along with Brooke and her partner Dale, who will climb Ben Nevis with them on the Saturday.
“The lads have got together to do this for us,” Robert said. “The support we have had from everyone has been amazing. This is just the kind of gesture I would expect from these boys.
“I will be taking part in memory of Freya.”
Robert said he didn’t yet know how any money raised would be used but he and the family would sit down and think of the best way to put it to use.
He added: “I know initially it will help to take some of the pressure off. Even going back to work is a thought, so this will go a long way to making life easier for us all in the short term.”
Ellis McDonald, who has helped organise the event, said a group of Robert’s friends from Clepington Road Primary and Morgan Academy had come together to help the family.
Ellis said: “Our schoolfriend Robert, and Freya’s mother, Brooke, recently suffered a loss that no parent ever should.
“The coming weeks, months and years will be difficult to say the least, and the emotional support of friends and family will be vital.”
Beginning on Friday, the group will travel to Glencoe and then begin a 26-mile hike to Fort William.
The following day, the friends will make their way to Glen Nevis to begin the 4,435ft ascent of Ben Nevis.
Ellis added: “Little Freya lives on in all our hearts.
“We would appreciate any and all donations, large or small, in order to support