A DRUMRY schoolgirl has fundraised for the Beatson Cancer Charity in memory of her dad, who died following a battle with Esophageal cancer one year ago.

Courtney Devenney, aged nine, has struggled to cope since losing her dad, Joseph, on July 13, 2019.

He had received three rounds of radiotherapy at the Beatson centre in Glasgow and his wife praised the staff for being caring and supportive with him and the young family.

Courtney also has two brothers, Joseph and Ciaran.

Her mum , Kelly-Anne, told the Post how the children have learned to cope without their dad, but Courtney has found it particularly difficult.

Kelly-Anne said: “We have had to cope, it’s all we can do.

“Losing Joseph was horrible and it all happened so quickly, we are a close family, really close, so we have pulled together.

“We had been together for 19 years and married last June when we realised his illness was terminal.

“We had never really prioritised marriage but we felt it was the right thing to do.

“Courtney had really struggled, especially as it is coming up to his one year anniversary.

“Her dancing has really helped her and she wanted to do something to give back to the Beatson. She makes me so proud.”

The St Eunan’s Primary pupil has been a member of Hunters School of Dance for several years and has missed not being able to attend throughout lockdown.

Instead, she has danced at home and also completed her Brownie’s task books to keep her busy.

She decided to do a Dance-A-Thon to raise funds, dancing for 20 minutes straight on Sunday, June 28.

Her auntie, Louise Harkiss, set up a GoFundMe page and she also used a sponsor form to collect donations.

Kelly-Anne organised a balloon arch and contacted the Beatson, who sent Courtney a t-shirt and banners.

The GoFundMe has received £930 and her sponsor form reached £100, raising a total of £1,030.

Courtney has been overwhelmed by the generosity of others and she had originally set the target at just £200.

Her friends and leaders at Brownies, dance class friends and teachers and her school have all been in touch to tell her how proud they are of her.