Schoolgirl's emotional Glasgow Kiltwalk in memory of late brother

Mariya Javed, current Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year, inspired more than 40 people to take part on behalf of Another Star in the Sky.

The charity was set up by Mariya and her family, with support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, in memory of her late brother Ahmar, who died in 2017 when he was just 13.

The teenager developed a bleed on the brain while at a karate class and his parents, Sameena and Javed, had to take the agonising decision to turn off his life support machine 10 days later.

Since her brother’s death, Mariya has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness. Her efforts were recognised this week when it was revealed she is one of 500 Coronation Champions across the UK.

Mariya with her Coronation Champion certificate (Image: Sameena Javed)

With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort - a passionate advocate of volunteering and president of Royal Voluntary Service - the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country.

Mariya impressed judges with her steadfast resolve to keep Ahmar’s memory alive. Despite her grief, she has taken part in numerous charity events and raised more than £20,000. She has also campaigned for the inclusion of compulsory bereavement education into the Scottish school curriculum.

She was awarded Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year in 2021.

Mariya with her Young SWOTY trophy (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

On Sunday, Mariya and her family and friends braved the rain to complete Glasgow’s Kiltwalk. It was a particularly emotional day for the family as it marked six years to the day since Ahmar died.

Her mum Sameena said: “It was a good day, albeit a bit wet. Mariya enjoyed having her friends with her and met some lovely people but afterwards, as she had time to reflect on why she was doing it, she was a bit upset, especially as it was the sixth anniversary of Ahmar’s passing.”

Mariya at Glasgow Kiltwalk (Image: Sameena Javed)

She added: “We had more than 40 people walking for Another Star in the Sky. So far, Mariya has raised £700 but looking at the pages of the people who have linked their Just Giving pages to ours, we have about £1028 and hopefully more to come.”

Mariya is looking forward to attending the Coronation Concert in London on Sunday. Hosted by Downton Abbey and Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville, it will feature performances from Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and pre-recorded video sketches of Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls and singer Sir Tom Jones.

Before her glamorous trip, however, the fundraising continues as Mariya and her mum are at Silverburn Shopping Centre today with a charity stall and arts and crafts activities.

“We’re so proud of her, and just wish we could be doing all this in different circumstances,” said Sameena.

Mariya added: “I am honoured to be crowned a Coronation Champion but I never thought I would get all this recognition. I just want to honour my brother, to make him proud of me and to help other young people who may sadly find themselves in a situation similar to mine.”