A WEE COUNTY youngster who struggles with chronic mobility issues will be climbing the Ochils this month to raise money for an anti-discrimination charity.

Little Connie Macmillan will battle her Type 3 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS-3) as she takes part in a charity walk for the United Together Foundation.

The organisation aims to tackle bullying, and other forms of discrimination and is currently devoting time to educating young people.

For the 3-year-old and her family, from Coalsnaughton, the issue is one close to their heart as they have faced racist abuse in the past due to their mixed-race heritage.

But they are hoping to spread foundation's Stop the Hate message when they scale the Ochils on October 30.

And just to make it a little more fun, the whole family will be dressed up in their Halloween outfits for the journey.

Connie, who recently moved from Tillicoultry Nursery to Coalsnaughton Nursery, will be joined on the day by her dad Arran, her granddad Andrew and Hunter, the family husky.

Mum Fardos, who is not able to make the walk herself due to her own mobility issues, is also inviting Clacks residents to join them on the day.

She told the Advertiser: "It's so nice to be able to do something for an organisation like United Together. They're all about tackling hate, wherever it comes from.

"I've experienced discrimination myself so I know full well that kind of thing is still going on and that it exists in many shapes and forms.

"In the past, I've had racist and sexist comments aimed at me – it's just part of my life. Not everyone wants to talk about it, but it shouldn't be hidden.

"The nation doesn't want it," she added. "I believe that most people don't want to see racism, bullying or any kind of discrimination in our communities or our schools.

"And for some people, they might not even realise they are doing it or the effect it has on others.

"That's what is great about the United Together Foundation; they want to raise awareness and educate people about all forms of discrimination. They are standing up for us all.

"And whether it's racism, sexism, homophobia, or bullying; it's important that we all do what we can to help.

"If there is anyone who'd like to come along and do the walk with us on the day, they are more than welcome."

For little Connie, the fundraiser will be a serious personal test due to her mobility issues.

She faces a daily struggle to cope with her EDS-3 – a condition which affects the connective tissue in her joints.

As a result, the brave youngster is fatigued, in constant pain and has to deal with her joints dislocating on a frequent basis.

With this in mind, the family are also keen to raise the profile of Invisible Disabilities Week, which runs from October 16-22.

Fardos, who has EDS and Fibromyalgia, said: "It's horrible; some days it just breaks you to the point that you think you can't cope. It just hits you so hard,

"She is in pain 24/7 and the dislocations can happen on a daily basis. We just try to deal with them as best as we can.

"You can see she gets frustrated with it, especially when she can't play with her nursery friends.

"I know what she's going through. I have it as well and it ruined my childhood."

The fundraiser came about after Connie's parents entered her into the Junior Miss Scotland pageant and she was accepted into the finals, taking place next month.

However, the competition asks all contestants to demonstrate their efforts to raise awareness for the United Together Foundation in the form of a scrapbook.

Fardos added: "It's not your typical beauty pageant; there's no make-up and no drama. Just something fun for the kids.

"And I can't believe we'll be able to fundraise for United Together at the same time.

"The money will help them, no doubt, but we want to raise awareness of what's going on more.

"And this scrapbook will always be there to show her that she helped with the issue."

To donate to Connie's fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/connie-macmillan