Book collection in memory of our Emma
Family’s tribute to girl they lost at just 15
The family of a Balfron schoolgirl who passed away at the age of just 15 are marking what would be her 21st birthday by this week launching a bid to collect books for a library at a school in Malawi.
Emma Buchanan died from cystic fibrosis on Boxing Day. 2013. She passed away in Robin House Hospice in Balloch, after a lifetime battle with the illness. she is survived by mum Tracy, dad Johnny and big sister Jordan.
The family now want to keep Emma’s legacy alive through a library at the foundation in Malawi.
Based in the Ibuluma villages, Chitipa, Northern Malawi, where Co-founder Levison Mlambya lives, the William Stewart Hope for the Hopeless Foundation helps Malawian orphans and the elderly.
Sunday, November 17, would have marked the former Balfron High pupil’s 21st birthday.
Family members had already raised funds in Emma’s memory, but wanted to mark her birthday trying to make a sad and difficult day into a positive one.
As a child, Emma loved her dad, Johnny, reading to her.
The family this week said: “Emma loved life and always put on a brave face. She gave 110 per cent all the time and refused to give up.
“Emma wanted to do what she could for everyone else and many times spoke of how she wished to go to Malawi to give any time or help she could. Sadly, Emma was never able to do this due to her condition worsening.
“We as a family would like to mark what would have been Emma’s 21st birthday by doing something extra special.”
Johnny read every night to both Emma and Jordan. Jordan said: “It was a great memory of our childhood being able to pick up a book and read it as and when we wanted to. This is one of the reasons why we would love to help the foundation in any way we can. We received so much care and support through the community, church especially and medical professionals.”
The family are no strangers to charitable efforts. In September 2009, Jordan dressed as Wonder Woman to complete a charity abseil from the Forth Bridge to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
It was such a success that money continued to pour in five months after the event, netting more than £2200.
While more than £1000 went to the CF Trust, Jordan used some of the cash to buy items for the children’s ward at Stirling Royal Infirmary, where Emma had received treatment.
Money also went to the Starlight Trust, which helped Emma meet the stars of High School Musical at a premiere in London.
Jordan and Emma visited the children’s ward in 2010 to see the items purchased with their donation.
Anyone who wishes to donate books or funds to the charity should do so by contact the Friends of The William Stewart Centre, Malawi - SCIO Facebook page.