A COALSNAUGHTON family braved the elements on Sunday as they hiked up the Ochils on a charity fundraiser.

At the forefront was little Connie Macmillan, who despite suffering from serious mobility issues, was able to tackle half of the hill on her own.

The three-year-old faces a daily battle with Type 3 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS-3), which causes severe fatigue and dislocation of her joints.

She was joined on the hike by her dad Arran, granddad Andrew, godfather Bruce McAdam and dog Hunter.

As it took place so close to Halloween, the group were all geared up to take on the climb in fancy dress. However, the cold weather proved a little too harsh – at least for most.

Arran told the Advertiser: “It went great; Connie did amazing. She made it about halfway up the hill on her own, but by then her legs were killing her and her papa had to carry her the rest of the way up.

“After that she was fine though. We sat and had something to eat, while Connie tried to play with the sheep.

“We wanted to do it in fancy dress, but it was just too cold. Me and my dad were going as werewolves, while Connie was going up as a little pink bunny rabbit.

“But, in the end, we couldn’t do it. Bruce did though; he was still there in his wife’s clothing. He even managed to get himself pulled down the hill by the dog too.”

Connie and her family were raising money for the United Together Foundation, an organisation that aims to tackle bullying, racism and other forms of discrimination.

So far the family have been able to raise more than £300 for the foundation with their hill walk.

To help with Connie’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/connie-macmillan