Inverness youngster on the catwalk to help sick kids
Catriona Cameron was born with spina bifida but that did not stop the youngster taking to the catwalk in her wheelchair for a fundraising fashion show to help sick children in hospital.
The Inverness six-year-old was among the models at a fashion show which raised almost £3000 to help develop a new children’s unit at the city’s Raigmore Hospital.
The event, at Eastgate Shopping Centre, showcased the latest spring and summer fashions.
Catriona who also has hydrocephalus - a condition resulting in a build-up of fluid on the brain - lives with her parents, Jim and Angela Cameron, in Abban Street, Merkinch.
Her outfits included a bright pink dress plus a bow tie, black hat, pink shoes and sparkly pink handbag.
"She looked gorgeous," said Mrs Cameron. "I was so proud of her. She loved every minute of it and it was for a good cause."
She hoped Catriona’s appearance on the catwalk would inspire other fashion shows to feature disabled youngsters.
"I think shows should be mixed and include people who are able-bodied and disabled. They are no different from anyone else."
Catriona, a P2 pupil at Merkinch Primary School, is a regular patient on the children’s ward at Raigmore and has also spent time in the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
Her family believe the Highland Children’s Unit Appeal, launched by the ARCHIE Foundation in conjunction with The Inverness Courier, is a good idea.
The aim is to raise £2 million to create a more child-centred and family-friendly children’s department at Raigmore. The total so far stands at £1.7 million.
"The children’s facilities at Raigmore could definitely be better," Mrs Cameron said. "It needs updating and a bit of colour."
The new unit is expected to open its doors later this year and involves relocating the children’s ward to ward 11 which is being redeveloped and extended.
Also stepping out on the catwalk was 11-year-old Rachel Urquhart who has Crohn’s disease, a condition which causes inflammation of the digestive system. Rachel, of Culduthel Mains, was joined by her mother, Kerrie.
Abbie Mercer (11), of Evanton, was joined by her mother, Adelle. Abbie’s brother, Ramsey, spent time in Raigmore and Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia four years ago although he was given the all-clear recently following chemotherapy.
Another model was Leah Robertson (7), of Westhill, who has had surgery for a hole in her heart.
* Buy The Inverness Courier to see photographs from the show.
