AN adventurous group of young people and staff at a Kilwinning children’s unit have raised over £1,000 for the Ainslie Mitchell Fund by climbing Arran’s highest peak

The determined group, based at Abbey Croft Children’s Unit, set themselves the challenge of climbing Goatfell in support of 18-year-old Ainslie from Stevenston, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

As the Herald has reported previously, Ainslie’s family have discovered that an innovative treatment, which could be potentially life-saving, is available in Cuba.

But the treatment would cost £20,000 and the Mitchell family now face a desperate battle to raise the funds needed which could save the teen’s life.

As Ainslie’s family have a connection to the residential service, the staff and young people there decided they had to do something to help out.

The group approached Ainslie and her family with their fundraising ideas and, after getting the go-ahead, geared themselves up for their Goatfell challenge.

Last month, they took the trip to Arran and completed the 7mile climb to the top.

The group’s fantastic efforts were well rewarded, as they raised over £1,100 towards brave Ainslie’s plight.

Last week Ainslie’s brother, Brandon Mitchell, proudly handed over the cheque to his sister on behalf of everyone at the unit.

Speaking about the fundraiser, Joe Gibb, Senior Residential Worker at Abbey Croft Children’s Unit, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the young people who completely embraced the challenge and for their great determination to do what they could to help Ainslie, their friend Brandon and, of course, the entire Mitchell family.

“We are delighted that we were able to raise over one-thousand-pounds which will go some way towards the target, giving Ainslie the opportunity for life-saving treatment that she so deserves.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Ainslie’s cause, can do it via the dedicated JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Ainslie-Mitchell.