Mum and dad’s love for brave Heather, 9
Tragic passing of schoolgirl after serious illness
The heartbroken parents of a brave girl this week paid tribute to their “inspirational daughter” who died suddenly at the age of nine.
Popular Heather Hunter had been battling heart problems over the past three years due to rheumatic fever and passed away on Tuesday, August 16.
The youngster was surrounded by her mum Michelle, dad Andrew and little brother Archie, aged 7.
Now Heather’s loved ones have raised a magnificent £4000 to keep her memory alive.
The money will pay for a memorial bench at Carfin Grotto where her grandmothers ashes were scattered and will donate what’s left of the funds to the cardiac unit at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.
Heather’s mum Michelle told the Wishaw Press she has been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and support the family have received over the past few weeks.
“We can’t quite believe what has happened,” she said.
“Heather was not only lovely on the outside but she was beautiful inside too.
“She touched the hearts of everyone she met and that has been clear to see since she passed away.
“The way people have rallied together and what they have done to raise this amazing amount of money has been extraordinary.
“We are grateful that people have taken time out of their busy lives to do this for our daughter.“
In just 15 days the Just Giving page set up by close friends Claire Gilchrist and Louise Donnachie Henderson, has received 175 donations and £4060 so far.
The girls wrote: “No parent should need to go through this heartbreaking, horrendous nightmare and we are asking our friends and family to help us raise as much money as possible to keep Heather’s memory alive forever.
“Heather has touched so many people’s life’s and had the sweetest, kindest, caring and compassionate nature.
“She was the best big sister her little brother Archie could have asked for and a best friend to anyone who met her. “She was her parents hero.” Michelle, of Newarthill, added: “We want to keep Heather’s legacy alive and having this memorial bench will help us to do that.
“Heather was an inspiration and the way she fought her illness was amazing. Her strength was remarkable.
“The bench wi l l b e somewhere we can all to go remember her and we hope others who find themselves in a similar situation can also take strength from it.”
Claire and Louise are holding a fundraising event at Aroma Coffee House in Stewarton Street, Wishaw, to help raise more funds are on the look out for raffle prizes.
More information about the event will be available nearer the time.
The girls added:” We hope everyone will help us with this as Princess Heather touched everyone’s heart that she met.”
Heather, a pupil at Keir Hardie Memorial School, Motherwell, was laid to rest at Newarthill Parish Church last Friday.
After the wake family and friends, wearing bright colours, went outside to release a ballon with a special message and kiss to heaven as a final farewell to beautiful Heather.