We are raising money for Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue in memory of my friend Cara, who sadly died at just 18 years old after struggling with her mental health.

Cara was completely animal daft. She adored animals and had such a genuine love and care for them. She loved her rats, worked at a farm park where she was happiest around the animals, and had also volunteered at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue.

Cara was about to start college to study Animal Care. She had so much ahead of her, and I want to remember not only the way her life ended, but the person she was and the future she should have had.

On 15 October, what would have been Cara’s 19th birthday, Myself and my friend Rosemary will be riding 18km on horseback in her memory, one kilometre for every year Cara was on this earth.

Our chosen route will be Irvine beach, a beautiful scenic route that Rosemary has completed herself with her pony Smokey many times.

I’ve chosen Hessilhead because animals were such a huge part of Cara’s life. By raising money for a place that cares for the wildlife she loved so much, I hope to turn her memory into something positive that can help animals in need.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, you’ll be helping support Hessilhead’s work while helping me honour a girl who should have had so many more years ahead of her.

18km for Cara. One kilometre for every year. 💜🐎