NINA Young is in no doubt what her sister Verity would have made of her epic storm-hit, midgie-infested 34-day, 500-mile trek across Scotland.

“She would have told me I was completely bonkers,” smiles the 20-year-old medical student, who has just raised £16,000 for the Teapot Trust, the charity her parents set up in memory of Verity.

“Verity was always laughing, always bright and cheeky. That’s how I remember her.”

Former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Laura Young and her husband John created the Teapot Trust after Verity died, aged eight, in 2010.

Glasgow Times:

The little girl had lupus and cancer, and hated going to hospital for treatment. Seeing the way art therapy benefitted their daughter during some of her most stressful appointments, Laura and John came up with the idea for a charity that would help other families.

Read more: Scotswoman of the Year Laura Young on her way to Downing Street

Now, Teapot Trust operates in hospitals, including the QEUH in Glasgow, around the UK. Since it began, it has helped more than 12,000 children and young people. Laura and John, who are from East Lothian, have taken a step back from the day-to-day running of the charity, but it remains a cause close to their hearts.

Glasgow Times:

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, however, Teapot Trust – like many other charities – has been hit by a lack of community fundraising. It desperately needs extra funds, which is why Nina decided to trek the North Coast 500 from Inverness to Applecross, to help out.

Nina explains: “It is really sad the charity is struggling due to COVID. As a medical student I see how mental health takes a knock when you have a physical health condition to live with every day, constantly on medication or injections. The Teapot Trust’s art therapy sessions build great coping strategies for kids and I am delighted the money is going towards that.”

Nina’s sister Isla, 14, came to support her sibling - "although she was not keen on doing any of the walk," laughs Nina - and friends Jika Nyirenda and Jessie Brown walked part of the way, enduring Storm Francis, aching feet and ‘a bajillion’ midgies.

Glasgow Times:

“The midgies were definitely the worst part,” groans Nina. “But I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’ve been blown away by the kindness of people who donated. Jika and Jessie have been amazing, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

To donate, visit teapot-trust.org