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Inverness pupils set to do Race For Life to support friend and generate money for Cancer Research UK


By Hazel Lawson

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Nina Thomson (right) and other members of the Race For Life team. Picture: Gair Fraser. Image No. 043558
Nina Thomson (right) and other members of the Race For Life team. Picture: Gair Fraser. Image No. 043558

FRIENDS of a bereaved schoolgirl are showing their support by raising cash for Cancer Research UK.

Around 30 fourth-year pupils from Inverness Royal Academy will run Race For Life at Bught Park on Sunday, May 26. The group has already raised more than £1300 for their Love For Louise campaign, in memory of the mum of 15-year-old Mya MacKay.

Louise MacKay was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer shortly before Christmas 2016. She died last month, the day before her 40th birthday.

Mya’s dad Donnie said he had been overwhelmed with the level of support shown to him and his family since Louise’s death.

He added: “I’m elated and delighted with anything people do to raise money and to keep Louise’s name out there. She was ill for two years and fought and battled on, and managed to get that two years to be with our family.”

The couple have three other children, Will (19), Cal (16), and five-year-old Zoe.

Louose MacKay with her mum and daughters at Race for Life in 2017
Louose MacKay with her mum and daughters at Race for Life in 2017

Marion Breau, Mya’s grandmother, said: “What her friends are doing is so amazing. It’s helped Mya hugely, being able to share things with her friends, and given her something to focus on. It’s made her very happy and brought a smile to her face – a real smile.”

Both Marion and Mya have completed the Race For Life before.

Nina Thomson, one of the school team taking part in this year’s run, said: “As much as we can be there for Mya there isn’t anything we can say to stop what she’s going through. So to show our support for her we decided to all come together by running Race For Life in memory of Louise. We are trying to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, so no other family has to go through the heartbreak that Mya and her family are experiencing.”

Donations can be made at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/love-for-louise

Louise MacKay (front, second right) with her family.
Louise MacKay (front, second right) with her family.

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