Emily Moore
AN Elderslie schoolboy who tragically died at the age of 13 is providing the inspiration for a fundraising drive in aid of a worthy cause.
Ahmar Javed was born with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which meant his blood vessels and veins were tangled.
His condition had been undiagnosed until he suffered a bleed on the brain at karate practice in April 2017.
Ahmar died just 10 days later but his memory lives on through a charity called Another Star in the Sky, which was set up by his parents.
Supporters of the charity, including Ahmar’s sister Mariya, will tackle the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday, April 28.
They will be raising cash for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to help fund research into AVM and other rare conditions, as well as bereavement services and to raise awareness of the need for improved bereavement education.
Among those taking part in the Kiltwalk is Labour MSP Paul O’Kane, who has previously highlighted the fundraising done by Another Star in the Sky at the Scottish Parliament.
This will be Mariya’s eighth Kiltwalk and is set to be particularly poignant, as this year would have seen Ahmar’s 21st birthday.
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 who is supporting 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.”
To promote the walk, Mr O’Kane met with Mariya, her mum Sameena, Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur and other supporters of Another Star in the Sky outside St Benedict’s High School, in Linwood.
Mr O’Kane, who represents West Scotland, said: “It is an 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, they’re also ensuring that a big part of his legacy will be other families getting a greater understanding and awareness of AVM and having improved bereavement support that’s so badly needed.
“I’m sure we will have a great day walking and chatting and I hope we raise as much money as possible.”
Kirsten Watson, CEO at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital
Charity, added: “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.
“The family’s incredible support for other families in hospital ensures that Ahmar’s star and legacy shines on.”
To support the fundraising drive by making a donation online, visit https://shorturl.at/ iqAIQ.