A WEE County charity has launched a special, jam-packed fundraising programme, to mark what is a very poignant year.

January, 13 would have brought the sixteenth birthday of Brionni Alexander, who died in December 2000 at only 11 months from a genetic condition called spinal muscular atrophy.

At the beginning of this year, The Brionni Trust – run by Brionni's mum Tracy Alexander, nana Mary Craig, aunt Wendy McInally and family friends Karen Horrocks and Lianne Ramsay – decided to commemorate the day.

And so the fundraising drive Sweet 16 was born, 16 challenges for 2016.

It which also serves to celebrate the amazing support the Tullibody charity has received and the achievements that have gone with this.

Wendy said: "Anyone can get involved – if they have an idea, no matter how big or small, we can be contacted via our Facebook page, The Brionni Trust.

"Last week, Tracy and Mary spent some time back at Rachel House and presented Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) with a cheque for £5000.

"This will be spent on activities for the children and families, creating precious memories and smiles at a time when they are needed most.

"This is an example of how the money we raise is spent. We have supported various projects at CHAS, The Jennifer Trust, the former children's ward at Falkirk Hospital and more; recently local girl Mackenzie Furniss to name a few.

"Since the year 2000, in Brionni's memory we have raised in excess of £130,000 which is definitely something to celebrate and we couldn't have done this without the support we have had.

"We are just a small, local charity. A group of family and friends who volunteer their time, keeping outlays to an absolute minimum, to keep Brionni's memory alive and bring something positive out of our own personal tragedy."

Spinal muscular atrophy is a recessive, neuro-muscular condition that causes muscle weakness and respiratory problems – Brionni had type 1 which is the most severe form.

During her last three months, she spent time between home, hospital and Rachel House which, at that point, was Scotland's only children's hospice.

After she passed away, the independent local charity was kick-started in a bid to help improve the lives of youngsters who have life-limiting conditions.

A whole range of fundraising events and activities have taken place this year already, to mark what would have been a special birthday.

In May, a coffee morning at Resonate Arts House netted £300 and a 1000 burpee challenge by GM Fitness Forth Valley got £150.

Last month, Marie Cully braved having her head shaved at Fuse Hairdressing in Stirling and a Central Demolition Charity Golf Day raised £1500.

Meanwhile, last week Team Brionni, Tracy, David Clement, Wendy and James Brown, took on Adrenaline Rush, Pollok Park, Glasgow, collecting £360.

Also in the pipeline, supporters are due to take on a West Highland Way walk, cake off challenge, knitting challenge, coffee morning and more, while a glitzy evening is set to be a major event.

Wendy said: "Brionni wont have her prom so we decided our annual fundraising evening should be a ball/prom type event in her memory. 

"This will be held on Saturday, October 29 at Inglewood House, red carpet, sparkling reception, three-course dinner and live entertainment."

Head to The Brionni Trust on Facebook for more information or to get involved.