FRIENDS and family of a teenager who requires support 24 hours a day are doing their bit to thank a charity which has helped her.

About 20 friends, family members and staff from Action for Children and Sanderson’s Wynd Hub in Tranent will walk from Haddington to Longniddry and back for Rachel McMaster.

The Haddington 18-year-old was born with a unique complex chromosome pattern which means she needs support throughout the day.

Her gran Pauline McMullan is among those aiming to complete the Haddington Railway Walk on Sunday afternoon before a raffle is held in the town’s bowling club.

She said: “Rachel lives happily and is well-known in Haddington.

“She is loved by everyone who knows her.

“Action for Children have given Rachel so many opportunities to have a fulfilling life and develop her potential.

“Rachel loves attending school, goes to lots of activities including swimming and surfing – she loves it! Rachel also loves visits to her mum and walking on the beach together.”

Watford-based charity Action for Children offers help to disadvantaged children from before they are born until they are into their twenties.

Money raised on the walk, which sets off at noon, is going towards the charity’s Gilmerton Road Project, which offers respite for children with a range of disabilities.

Rachel’s gran, who lives in Edinburgh, told the Courier: “Rachel and family were supported by Gilmerton Road Project before Rachel now has full-time support in her own house.

“Myself and my friend Joan Kerr have been collecting raffle items from local shops and businesses for the raffle and we are so grateful to everyone who has already donated.”

Teenager Rachel, who lives on Haddington’s Nungate Gardens, attended respite for a few days a month at Action for Children from the age of seven.

Pauline added that Sunday’s fundraiser had been organised as a way of thanking the charity for all of its support.

She said: “We as Rachel’s family are grateful for the outstanding care Rachel has received and the amount of opportunities she has had to live as independently as possible.

“Rachel loves all her staff members and is a well-known member in her community of Haddington, where she lives happily.

“Rachel has regular visits from all her family and loves being involved in a wide range of activities.”

Rachel, who will walk part of the eight-mile return route, will join those taking part at Haddington Bowling Club on Wemyss Place at about 3.30pm.

To support the good cause, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/paulinemcmullan