Memorial For Mikaeel
6 October 2014, 17:43
An Edinburgh community's come together to leave a legacy to toddler Mikaeel Kular, who was killed by his mother in January.
The people of Muirhouse have raised more than £3,000, which will be used for a memorial.
The money is being awarded to Muirhouse based group My Adventure, and its Towford Centre project.
This project will allow local residents and those from surrounding areas to use an outdoor facility in the Scottish Borders.
For many years now Muirhouse Youth Development Group and its Social Enterprise MY Adventure have been looking to secure a building, a bothy, a place that people can get away to and relax in - that is basic, comfortable and affordable.
Towford Outdoor Centre, near Jedburgh, is set near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.
The building - which has been empty and unused for 17 years - urgently needs some heating and a rewire if it is to survive its first winter.
Robert Pearson Chairman of Tenants & Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM) said:
''Firstly thanks to everyone who donated, I know Mikaeel's family are touched by the response of our community. It was always going to be difficult to decide just what to use the money on.
''Reading all the suggestions and talking to residents who visited the community shop, I got a sense of outdoor, play area and family activities are what people are looking for.
''When a resident mentioned the Towford Centre, I immediately thought it ticked all boxes.
''Mikaeel wasn't allowed to grow up and enjoy his childhood, his legacy will ensure other children can.'
Jonny Kinross, Director of MY Adventure added "Towford Outdoor Centre will be an affordable outdoor resource for children, families, communities and businesses to stay or use.
''The centre, formerly a 19th century school, will be entrusted to the Muirhouse community and safeguarded by registered local charity Muirhouse Youth Development Group.
"Our centre will be accessible to thousands of local people, groups, businesses and school pupils all year, next year and for generations.
''Already the centre has benefited from use by local high schools Craigroyston and Drummond High. Getting it even to this stage could only be achieved with the support of local businesses and over 60 local volunteers.
"Eighty official backers have surpassed our target of £6,000 - £3,500 was raised simply from individual supporters and local organisations in just 2 weeks.
''These people felt either connected to Muirhouse or inspired by what the centre will come to be and mean to local people.
''It was this that inspired the Mikaeel Kular Memorial Fund to pledge such a large amount to our campaign.
''The money raised by this community for Mikaeel's Memorial Fund will secure his legacy and will specifically help create a children's play area in the 17 acre grounds dedicated to him.
''It's a testament to how his community showed strength, solidarity and compassion at a time of their greatest need.''
Mikaeel Kular died after being beaten by his mother over a period of three days, resulting in severe internal injuries.
Rosdeep Adekoya then wrapped his body in a duvet, placed it in a suitcase and drove to Kirkaldy, Fife, where she tried to bury it in nearby woodland back in January.
She's currently serving an 11 year sentence.
The fund to raise money to refurbish Towford is open until October 20th at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/towford