The family of an Aberdeenshire youngster with a rare disorder have appealed for people across the north-east to take part in a fundraising challenge.
Pitmedden five-year-old, Hannah Thomson, was born with the genetic condition known as Pfieffer Syndrome – which affects only one in every 100,000 children and causes a reduced life expectancy.
It is characterised by the premature fusion of certain bones of the skull, which affects the shape of the head and face and it can also cause abnormalities in the feet and hands.
Despite the problems caused by Hannah’s condition, her mum, Judith Davis, said that life has been made easier thanks to visits from staff attached to the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) charity.
She said: “Chas allow me to have some time off when I can just enjoy being with the kids, spending time doing arts and crafts, and have some special family time.
“When I think of Chas, I think of a friendly face and a well-deserved break.”
The charity is staging its Aberdeen Kiltwalk on Saturday, June 3, and is urging people to take part, so it can continue to provide support to parents facing the “unthinkable reality” of outliving their children.
The group presently provides assistance to 45 families across the north-east.
Its outdoor events coordinator, Scott Maxwell, said: “Three children die every week in Scotland of a life-shortening condition, and at present, we’re only reaching one of those families.
“The funds and awareness raised by events like the Aberdeen Kiltwalk help us on our mission to reach every single baby, child and young person who needs us, and offer our support and care to them and their whole family.”
The Aberdeen Kiltwalk can be undertaken in three different distances, and more information is available at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk