THE big-hearted family of a brave 12-year-old Black Isle girl who has faced gruelling treatment since diagnosis of a rare tumour are gearing up to give back to the lifeline charity which has helped them in their time of need.
Alma Fraser was diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the end of May 2024 at Raigmore Hospital.
She underwent a month of neurosurgery at Royal Children’s Hospital Glasgow and then moved to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital in July for further surgery – and to begin a course of chemotherapy lasting over a year.
Now, the thoughtful Fortrose Academy pupil has enlisted some hardy supporters to repay the kindness of the charity offering invaluable support in the most challenging of circumstances.
Friends of Alma’s parents Kenny and Maru had already started training for the gruelling 24-hour Strathpuffer endurance mountain bike event and so decided to raise funds for Alma’s chosen charity, the Archie Foundation.
The world-renowned event held each winter near Contin takes place next weekend. Brave mountain bikers Andy Pearce, Donald Macpherson, James Fletcher, Steve Pratt, Jamie Carcary, Drew Graves, Jim Higgins, Laing Anderson, Jonathan Laing and Jonathan Coats are members of three teams in the event, raising funds for The Archie Foundation.
Alma has recently been attending first year at Fortrose Academy where she enjoys art in particular and seeing her good friends.
The IV10 team is gearing up to participate for a cause close to their hearts.
Team sponsors are IV10 Cafe Bar Deli and IDM Energy with thanks to The Anderson Hotel, Fortrose.
The Archie Foundation has been one of the charities supporting Alma on her long journey through surgery and chemotherapy. Dad Kenny said: “We’re enormously grateful for any donations, which will help families in similar circumstances.”
One sponsor who has already chipped in said: “Some of the nicest guys you could hope to meet, doing something extraordinary for an amazing charity. Good luck to all the riders!”
Alma Fraser is supporting The Archie Foundation.
The Archie Foundation exists to transform experiences and outcomes in healthcare and bereavement for local children and families. It aims to ensure that all support and services are delivered in a child-appropriate environment and manner.
The effort has already hauled in £1200.
To support it, see https://www.justgiving.com/page/strathpuffer-for-archie-2025
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