Clydebank schoolgirl raises hundreds of pounds in memory of her dad

Courtney Devenney raised £75 from selling her toys and used some of this money to set up a lemonade stand in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity which supports people affected by cancer.

The 13-year-old from Clydebank did this to mark the fifth anniversary of her dad Joseph’s death. Joseph sadly passed away on July 13, 2019, following a battle with Oesophagal cancer.

Clydebank teenager Courtney Devenney with her friend Piper at her charity stall (Image: Gordon Terris)

Courtney generated more than £600 from the stall, which was located on Riddell Street on Saturday, July 27.

Kellyanne Devenney, Courtney’s mum, told the Glasgow Times that she is “so proud” of her daughter.

She said: “She sold her toys and got £75 for them and used £25 of that to create her wee stall. She made wee bracelets, and posters, and bought balloons and tablecloths.

“She was also kindly donated toys and bottles of wine and she started a wee raffle so it went from a lemonade stand to a full-on tabletop sale.

“Charity work gives her a positive outlook and I’m just so proud of her. It’s the support that keeps her going.

“She’s only gone and made £601 and her Just Giving page is going up and up. It’s made her very happy and all for an amazing cause.

“This year marks Courtney’s dad’s fifth anniversary. She is raising money for the Beatson to remember him.

“The kindness and support has overwhelmed her.”

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Over the last four years, Courtney has raised a considerable amount of money for various charities including Children in Need.

In July 2020 the youngster collected more than £1000 for the Beatson in memory of her dad who had received three rounds of radiotherapy at the Beatson Centre in Glasgow.

Kellyanne revealed that Courtney plans to continue fundraising throughout the year and has several events lined up.

(Image: Gordon Terris)

She said: “Courtney did the Kiltwalk last year and walked from Clydebank to Balloch. She missed that one this year because she wanted to start with her lemonade stand so she’s added in the Kiltwalk in Edinburgh.

“Her wee ideas just come out. Everybody is so supportive of her and it’s really nice to see. She’s roped her brothers and her auntie and uncle – that was her dad’s brother and sister – into doing a zip line over the River Clyde on August 30.

“That just terrifies me because the height of that is crazy.”

Courtney’s Just Giving page can be viewed HERE.