Elderslie schoolgirl whose brother, 13, died in running for UK award

Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year 2021 Mariya Javed, from Elderslie in Renfrewshire, beat 13,000 other hopefuls to make it to the finals of the GoCardless JustGiving Awards.

Mariya, 14, has been using the JustGiving platform for the past six years to raise funds for research into arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and to fund child bereavement services.

Mariya with her brother Ahmar (Image: Sameena Javed)

Her older brother, Ahmar, died from the rare condition, which caused him to develop a sudden bleed on the brain in 2017 when he was just 13 years old.

After being nominated by members of the public, Mariya was selected as a finalist by a panel of judges which included Radio DJ Haywood-Williams, actor Angela Griffin, fundraiser Caroline Jones and the general manager of JustGiving, Pascale Harvie.

She will now face a public vote and her mum, Sameena, is hoping Glasgow Times readers will support her daughter.

The Javed family (Image: Newsquest)

“It would be lovely if readers could vote for Mariya - obviously a win would be nice, but more importantly, as JustGiving is a global platform, it will help with our aim of raising awareness of AVM and of the need for improved bereavement services and education,” she said.

Mariya’s most recent challenge was the Glasgow Kiltwalk in April which raised £779 for Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital. The amount will be doubled by the Hunter Foundation. She joined thousands of people to walk seven miles through Glasgow wearing a kilt, passing well known sites and landmarks.

Mariya, who has a little brother called Ayaan, said: “This year was my seventh Kiltwalk in memory of Ahmar. The date we walked actually fell on the exact date we lost him, so it was extra special for me and all my family to be able to do something and remember him in this way.

Mariya with her trophy (Image: Newsquest)

“I am really happy to have reached the finals of the JustGiving Awards.

“It was a complete shock to me as I didn't even know that I had been nominated. However, it is all very bittersweet as this is my way of keeping my brother’s memory alive and to help others who may sadly be affected by AVM and child bereavement.”

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager at JustGiving said: “Our fundraisers and crowdfunders are amazing and whilst they don’t do what they do for praise and recognition, every single person like Mariya deserves it.

“The ceremony is a magical evening but most importantly it's a moment for us at JustGiving to thank, formally recognise and celebrate the individuals, groups and charities who have done extraordinary things in the interest of others."

Members of the public now have the opportunity to vote for the fundraisers they want to see crowned for their efforts via the Just Giving website. 

The winners will be announced on September 25.