A WEE COUNTY girl has managed to raise more than £400 for Age Scotland during the recent Supernova 5k run in Falkirk.

Orla-Rose Stewart, from Menstrie, joined her mum Gillian in the race at The Kelpies on Saturday, March 18, collecting a total of £425 in support of the elderly charity.

The eight-year-old said: “I chose to run the Supernova 5k to raise money for Age Scotland because I want to help older people, so they don’t feel lonely.

“It would be nice to make sure older people have help getting out and about so they can make friends and have someone to talk to as some people don’t have family that live near them.

“I think it is important that older people are happy and have fun too.”

Due to her age, Orla-Rose had to be joined by a parent in the race, with her mum Gillian stepping up and completing the 5k with her daughter.

Gillian told the Advertiser she was immensely proud of her daughter and blown away by the amount she managed to raise.

She said: "I'm super proud of her for wanting to do this. She had been feeling a bit upset thinking about older people being on their own and she said she wanted to do something to help.

"We looked through our options and she decided she wanted to do the Supernova 5k.

"I can't believe how much she managed to raise for the charity and she really did amazing."

Mark O’Donnell, chief executive at Age Scotland, said: “The generosity, kindness and compassion shown by fundraisers like Orla-Rose is amazing and we’re so grateful for her efforts, which will help ensure we can be there for every older person who needs us.

“Every penny raised will go towards Age Scotland’s lifeline services for older people, their families and carers.

“For instance, just £10 raised will pay for two friendship calls through our 0800 12 44 222 friendship line and could make all the difference to someone’s life.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Orla-Rose, from all of us at Age Scotland – your efforts will help ensure we can provide information, advice and friendship to each older person who needs it.

“Congratulations on completing your challenge.”