Walk in memory of kind hearted teenager

A charity walk in memory of a teenager tragically killed in a car crash takes place in Lewis this weekend.

A memorial bench to Georgia Gilham will also be installed near to her mother’s home village in Ness where she and her sister Bethany loved spending her holidays.

Georgia, 16, and a fellow passenger in the vehicle, John Foggo from Inverness, died following a head-on crash outside the Highland capital two years ago.

A charity to remember the kind hearted girl was created. Georgias Gifts now “allows her to help others through random acts of kindness.”

Her mother, Debbie Gilham is originally from Fivepenny, Ness. She attended the Nicolson Institute and worked in Borve House before relocating to the Highlands.

Mrs Gilham explained: “So many family and friends wanted to do something in her name and we decided all together to set up a charity.

“Georgia had a big heart and so much empathy.

“She loved animals and for her funeral service we asked people to bring items for Munlochy Animal Aid rather than flowers.”

The family were overwhelmed by the number of donations “which filled a transit van” and the idea to establish Georgia’s Gifts took root.

Saturday’s moorland trek over between North Tolsta and Ness will raise funds to provide a cool blanket for the bereavement suite at Raigmore Hospital which will allow parents to spend vital extra time following the loss of a baby.

After the walk a handmade wooden bench bearing Georgia’s name will be unveiled at the Eoropie Dunes Playpark.

Mrs Gilham said the bench would eventually travel to different locations in Scotland her daughter cherished.

Her ashes were scattered at the Belladrum music festival site - her “favourite place” - and the memorial bench was initially based there before being relocated to Culloden Academy last year where Georgia would have finished her final term in school with her friends.

Taking it to Ness where the teenager’s granny lives was an obvious choice as “this was a special place for Georgia.”

The walk which starts at 10.30am on Saturday is open to everyone and there is no charge although donations for the charity would be welcomed. Following the bench installation soup and sandwiches will be served at the Sporsnis centre.

The group is also holding a raffle and an auction to raise funds and any contributions of prizes would be appreciated.

Charity walk in memory of kind-hearted teenager

3 April 2018

A bench dedicated to Georgia Gilham will be placed in Ness

The event is in memory of Georgia Gilham