A YOUNGSTER from Dalry is climbing Goatfell to raise money for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.  Eight-year-old Evan McKinnon, along with his dad Scott and older brother Oliver, will tackle Arran’s tallest peak after the St Palladius Primary School pupil was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October of last year.

The climb is next Wednesday, July 29 and after smashing his original target of £100, Evan is looking to get to £300.  Evan’s mum Kirsty said: “We are super proud of Evan, he is an amazing little boy!  “He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on October 1, 2014.

"It hit us like a brick wall, we were devastated.

"Evan was extremely brave and never once has he said he wishes he wasn’t diabetic.  “His treatment started with four injections each day and multiple finger pricks to test his blood.  “After only six months he was given an insulin pump which is attached to him 24-hours a day and he still his to test his blood on average 12 times in 24 hours, but no longer has to be given injections.  “We could not be prouder of Evan and the way he accepted his illness.  “As a family we are committed to helping JDRF find a cure for this horrible disease.

"We will continue to help make Evans life as normal as possible.

“Evan is extremely excited about his climb and very confident he will manage it.

"He will be climbing with his dad Scott and brother Oliver who is 12 years-old.” If you want to donate to Evan’s climb, visit www.justgiving.com/EvanMcKinnon.