Highland mum has raised £80k in annual promise to non-verbal daughter

A dedicated Inverness mum who made a promise after her daughter was born prematurely has raised more than £80,000 over the years for various organisations.

Amelia Jo Kelly, who has complex needs with global development delay, autism and epilepsy, was born at 32 weeks gestation and placed on ventilator.

Her mother, Kelly Macrae, made a promise she would raise money for the organisations helping her and gift it every year on her birthday.

This year, Mrs Macrae has presented £9156 to Drummond School in Inverness where her daughter – now aged nine – is a pupil.

The money was raised at the annual Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards which recognises inspirational young people and has the school as its nominated charity.

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Mrs Macrae said: "Amelia was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 3lb and was placed on a ventilator.

"In those very early days, I told Amelia to ‘keep on swimming’ and made a promise that I would raise money for the institutions that help her and gift it on her birthday every year.

"I have kept that promise and so far, we have raised over £80,000.

"Amelia is now nine years old and continues to thrive against the odds thanks to the amazing team at Drummond School.

"My family is grateful for everything that Drummond does for Amelia and her friends, and this money will help fund new resources to make their time at Drummond even more special."

She thanked everyone who played a part in this year's awards.

Amelia, who is the youngest of five siblings, has been through much in her short life.

Two years ago she underwent seven operations in one year alone and last winter has been admitted to the children’s unit at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness several times with serious infections and viruses due to her weak immune system.

Earlier this year, Mrs Macrae and her husband, Chris took their daughter to see specialists in Harley Street with a track record of getting non-verbal children to speak.

Afterwards, she described it as life-changing and believed more than ever that her dream to hear Amelia say "mum" will come true one day.

Drummond School headteacher Mark Elvines thanked Amelia and her family and everybody who supported her Young Highlander Awards.

"We are thrilled to receive this kind donation which we will use to purchase playground equipment to improve this area for our pupils," he said.

"The outdoor space is an important part of the mix of experiences we aim to provide here at Drummond and Amelia and her school friends will benefit greatly."

The awards event is sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies and each year, more local businesses and families across the Highlands have come forward to support the awards.

They include Cru Hospitality, North Coast Cars, Orion Group, the Midge Bite Café, Stay at Clarsach, R&B’s Inverness, Dicksons of Inverness, the Banister family, Inverness Trophy Centre, Miele’s Gelateria, GEG Capital, Whale-like-fish, Aurora Design Studio and Stevenson’s Forge.

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