Renfrewshire teen helping bereaved families after losing brother

Mariya Javed is taking on the Kiltwalk challenge to raise funds and awareness for improved bereavement services.

Mariya, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, was just seven years old when her 13-year-old brother, Ahmar, suddenly died from arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – a rare condition that caused him to suffer a bleed in the brain in 2017.

Mariya Javed, pictured by Robert Perry. Mariya’s parents, Sameena and Javed, had to make the painful decision to turn off Ahmar’s life support machine 10 days after the incident.

He would be 21 now and finishing university, having wanted to be a doctor and help others.

Image by Robert Perry Since her brother’s heartbreaking passing, Mariya, 15, has raised an incredible £32,000 through the likes of Kiltwalks, collection cans and endurance challenges, which supports AVM research and funding child-bereavement services.

Mariya has also helped set up the charity fund, Another Star in the Sky, in association with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. All money raised is split equally between the Office for Rare Conditions, and Child Bereavement UK, both of which are based at Glasgow Children's Hospital.

It comes as the teenager said her family received no support after Ahmar’s death.

Mariya, 15, said: “When Ahmar passed, we were offered no bereavement support. We were just left to get on with it.

“That’s why half of the money raised funds bereavement services, so that others who sadly find themselves in our situation will get the support that we didn't.”

(Image: The Javed family, image by Newsquest)

Image by Robert Perry  This year, Mariya will be taking on her ninth Kiltwalk on Sunday, April 28 to raise even more money.

Mariya said that she is really looking forward to taking part in the event again.

The former Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year (2021) added: “The Kiltwalk is always a great event - even in the rain - and I've met so many lovely people through it.

“Everyone is taking on the challenge for their own personal reasons, but that's what brings everyone together too. We are all doing it for a special cause.”

Mariya has so far raised over £200 for the Kiltwalk this year. If you wish to donate online, click HERE

Image by Robert Perry  Several members of staff as well as pupils from her school, Saint Benedict's High School, will be joining Mariya for the second time ever this year.

Alan Taylor, head teacher, Anna Caira, depute head teacher, Urooj Mohsan, biology teacher, Lucy Findlay, chemistry teacher and Zane Horrocks, biology teacher will all be showing their support.

Image by Robert Perry  Alan told the Glasgow Times: “As a school, we wanted to show our support by standing with Mariya, her family, and their charity Another Star in the Sky, in memory of her brother Ahmar.

“We are proud to do this. It's a great way to come together as a school community to support Mariya, her family, and Another Star in the Sky.”

Alan added: “I am incredibly proud of Mariya. Her dedication, compassion, and drive to make a difference are truly inspiring, especially given her age. The way she honours her brother's memory through Another Star in the Sky and her fundraising efforts shows remarkable strength and maturity. She's a credit to her family and to our school.

“Ahmar didn't attend St Benedict's, but from what I've heard from Mariya and her mum, he was a lovely and considerate boy - a hardworking pupil and someone who was always kind and friendly to those around him.”