WATCH: Inverness junior doctor taking part in Highland variety show wants give children a voice after caring for her special needs brother
An aspiring paediatrician, originally from Malaysia, wants to give disadvantaged children a voice after seeing her own brother struggle growing up with special needs.
Melinda Lai, (26), from Inverness, is taking a leap of faith next month by taking part in Inverness’ very first Blue Lights Got Talent. The event is raising funds for Cash for Kids and the Highland Hospice, in addition to raising awareness for Celebrating Amy.
Performers range from the emergency services, prison service, Coastguard service, armed forces and those working in care.
Melinda, who works at Raigmore Hospital, grew up in Malaysia with her younger brother who suffered from special needs which subsequently affected his verbal skills.
For years she watched her brother have difficulty finding his voice without words and yearned to help him.
She said: “I used to entertain him, I was very much a part time babysitter.
“Essentially, my mum, grandma and I delegated roles so that my brother wouldn’t miss a chance at education. My mum very much taught him English, my grandma taught him mathematics and I was the physical education person.
“I would make sure he’d exercise and play. I always wanted to help but I didn’t know how.”
Her brother has the mind of a five-year-old and the talking skills of a three-year-old.
Melinda has nothing but admiration for her 14-year-old little brother who is her ‘cheeky boy’ and never fails to put a smile on her face. She continues to visit her family and brother, who have always given her love and support, at least a couple of times a year.
From the age of five Melinda wanted to become a doctor and move away from her hometown in order to make that dream a reality.
She said: “I did have some setbacks along the way, but I persevered and got all A’s”
After passing her exams with flying colours, Melinda came to the UK to study a degree in medicine at Aberdeen University.
Melinda immediately fell in love with Inverness when travelling here from Aberdeen to undergo numerous placements during medical school.
She now works at Raigmore Hospital as a junior doctor and is continuing to work towards becoming a specialised paediatric consultant.
When talking about why she aspires to help children, Melinda said: “I wanted to help people like my brother, and at the very least give the kids a voice.
“I never cared if my brother could talk or not, he’s still my cheeky boy.”
The junior doctor first found out about the talent competition when she saw a poster in the orthopaedic ward in Raigmore Hospital.
She said: “At the time I was thinking I had just bought a new guitar and I would like to use it!
“But, at the same time when I saw that there was a charity aspect, my mind just went back to my brother.
“Another thing was the Archie Foundation. I think they are doing an amazing job with the kids and when I got my first paycheck it was one of the first places I donated to.”
When talking about why the charity is so important to her, she said: “I grew up with all the basic needs met, I had food, love and a chance to go to the UK to work. However, I know a lot of people who don’t have that chance.
“I just hope that I am helping them, even if it is the smallest way possible. Even one pound can make a difference.”
While Melinda’s journey to becoming a doctor hasn’t been the easiest, she has made her dream become a reality through sheer determination and passion to create brighter futures for disadvantaged children.
Now she is raising funds for Cash for Kids and the Highland Hospice by singing a song close to her heart, but with a twist, she will be singing in three languages.
She said: “This is like a love letter to my family because I grew up with these songs and I want to help people like my brother.”
All of the acts will be scored via audience votes, in addition to judges scoring and the winning act will walk away with £1000 to donate to their chosen charity.
The event will take place at the Drumossie Hotel, in Inverness, on September 21.
