Black Isle Zumbathon dance party will help keep Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance in air
A BIG-HEARTED Black Isle girl whose life was saved when a charity chopper whisked her 170 miles south for emergency surgery is gearing up to give back.
Kenny and Maru Fraser's daughter Alma (12) started feeling unwell during her final year at Avoch Primary last May.
She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition needing urgent medical treatment, at Raigmore Hospital Children's Unit.
That same day, the Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) crew flew her from Raigmore to the Royal Children's Hospital in Glasgow, for a potentially life-saving operation from neurosurgeons.
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Now a pupil at Fortrose Academy, she has undergone months of treatment and in January of this year inspired an £11,000 fundraising drive by a team of Strathpuffer cyclists for The Archie Foundation, which helps families facing extended periods of hospital care, often far from home.
Now, her family plan paying a debt of gratitude to SCAA through a dance fitness Zumbathon at the Black Isle Leisure Centre in Fortrose on Saturday, April 26.
The event is the brainchild of her Avoch Primary P7 teacher, Sarah Byham. She said: “We were all really shocked when she was taken to hospital. We love doing Zumba and really wanted to do something to support Alma and also the charity that supported her.”
She said: “We want people to come and join us. Alma and her friends are doing the refreshments and we have lovely T-shirts to sell. Hopefully we will show Alma how much we love her and also raise lots of money for the charity.
“People can get sponsorship or just come and buy cake and support us.”
Anyone can join the three-hour dance party for however long they wish, from 10am. Instructors Lindsay Cummings, Lorraine Evans and Donna Smith will lead the fun.
Alma’s mum Maru said: “We'll always be so grateful for the response of the SCAA in getting Alma to where she needed to be for the best medical care, fast.”
SCAA community fundraiser Michael Hanratty said: “We will attend anyone in need. Our main purpose is no one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there on time.”
Of the Zumbathon, he said: “I was blown away by the community pulling together to support Alma and her family and to raise money for the charity.”
An average mission costs around £4500.
You can find out more and sign up via Eventbrite by searching ‘Zumbathon Fortrose’. The event is being advertised via social media and posters and a beautiful T-shirt has been designed by local artist, Rachel Bevan Baker.
A Justgiving page for donations can be found by searching ‘Justgiving Zumbathon Alma’
