An Ayr woman will mark what would have been her friend Cara McKee’s 19th birthday with an 18km horseback ride to raise money for a wildlife rescue centre close to the teenager’s heart.
Michelle McLeish, 21, plans to take part in the ride on October 15, exactly the date Cara would have turned 19. Cara, an 18-year-old from Ayr, died suddenly on July 15, leaving her family and friends devastated.
The challenge will support Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue, where Cara volunteered. Michelle hopes to raise £500 and will use GPS to track the full distance.
A kilometre for every year of Cara’s life
Michelle said the 18km distance had been chosen to represent each year of Cara’s life. She also wanted the fundraiser to reflect Cara’s love of animals and support a cause she had cared deeply about.
“Because animals were such a huge part of Cara’s life, I wanted to do something positive in her memory that would also support a cause she would have cared deeply about.”
Michelle said she had been close to Cara’s older sister and mother, Cathy, and discovered that she and Cara shared an interest in animals. She recalled seeing Cara regularly at Hessilhead while animals were being rescued.
“I’ll be riding 18km on horseback, with each kilometre representing one year of Cara’s life. I’m hoping to raise £500 for Hessilhead, and I’ll be tracking the full ride using GPS.”
Cara was remembered by her mother Cathy, sisters Melissa and Aimee, and her wider family as a caring and funny animal lover with an infectious laugh. Michelle described her as warm, radiant and someone who was always ready to speak her mind.
Donations will support Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue
Michelle has three horses, and said Cara loved talking with her about them. She hopes holding the ride on Cara’s birthday will keep her friend’s memory alive while giving others a chance to celebrate her life.
“We just don’t want to forget her, and hopefully this ride is a really good way to remember and celebrate her life.”
Donations can be made through the JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/elle-mcleish-1. Michelle said Hessilhead was chosen because it is local and was a place Cara enjoyed visiting.
“The target is £500 but anything people can raise is amazing because the centre does a lot of good work and any time I’ve been there they’ve been so helpful.”