Eilidh Mercer and her daughter Freya are embarking on a fundraising journey across Scotland, participating in three Kiltwalks to say thank you to Sight Scotland.
Eilidh and Freya, from Tranent in East Lothian, will be tackling the Aberdeen and Dundee Kiltwalks side by side, followed by Eilidh taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk solo. Their mission is to raise funds for Sight Scotland, in recognition of the tremendous support the charity has provided them over the years.
Freya, now 7 years old, was born prematurely and has severe vision impairment. She attends the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, which is operated by Sight Scotland. Since joining the school nearly two years ago, Freya's progress has been nothing short of remarkable, according to her teachers.
I don’t know where we would be as a family without Sight Scotland’s help, and we are fundraising to do our wee bit so that other people and families can benefit just like we have."
Eilidh explains: "Sight Scotland has been amazing with Freya and has also helped me so much; answering questions, offering support, basically being there whenever we need them. There has been such a big change in Freya since she started at the Royal Blind School. She is communicating so much more now, and she has become stronger and more independent—crawling and pulling herself up. Witnessing her growth firsthand is truly astonishing.
"Freya's journey from a very young age until now has been incredible. Her progress and development over the last few years is almost unbelievable, and we owe so much of this progress to the Royal Blind School. Our goal was to provide Freya with the best possible start in life and education, and the Royal Blind School is fulfilling that vision.”
Eilidh adds: "We are walking these Kiltwalks to give back and say thank you to Sight Scotland for the immeasurable impact they've had on Freya's life. Freya and I will be taking on the ‘Wee Wander’ in Aberdeen and Dundee, and then I will be walking the ‘Mighty Stride’ in Edinburgh on my own. The help and support Sight Scotland provides for people with vision impairment is incredible, and they do so much in terms of helping to fight loneliness and isolation and ensuring people keep their independence. I don’t know where we would be as a family without Sight Scotland’s help, and we are fundraising to do our wee bit so that other people and families can benefit just like we have."
Please sponsor Eilidh and Freya
You may also be interested in
Carers Week 2024: Putting Carers on the Map
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and to help people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Kidscene Bark With Joy Over New ‘Doghouse’ From Sight Scotland Veterans
Children at Sight Scotland’s Kidscene were barking with joy recently over their new ‘doghouse’ style playhouse, which was designed and created by Sight Scotland Veterans.
William’s Marathon Mission: Running for Sofie and Sight Scotland
William Oviatt is running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Sight Scotland to say thank you for all the help and support the charity gave to his family when his daughter, Sofie, was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy.