John Swinney pays tribute to Scottish woman who lost battle with anorexia aged 20
The first minister attended a charity park run, which was organised by the family of Rachel Bywater from Aberfeldy, to raise funds for BEAT, the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders, reports The Record.
Swinney joined the family of Rachel, who sadly died on May 17 this year aged just 20 years old, at the event which has raised an amazing £7,500 for the charity.
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The MSP for Perthshire North shared a snap of the group together sporting their, 'Run for Rachel' t-shirts and wrote: "A special privilege to join the family of Rachel Bywater - one of my constituents who faced an eating disorder and sadly died recently aged only 20 - to run a 5k and raise funds for Beat (Eating Disorders).
"Wonderful to see so many in the #Aberfeldy community supporting today."
Her father Dave Bywater added: "Thank you John, it was great to have your support and that of the community.
'I hope everyone who reads these posts can realise there is a family behind this who are suffering a tragic loss, and ignore the offensive responses you have received."
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Ahead of the event her family wrote: "We will be installing a new bench on the River Bank for Rachel Bywater, who very sadly passed away on May 17th this year.
"To mark the occasion a fund raiser will be held on the Sunday to raise funds for BEAT (Eating Disorders). All you have to do is walk, jog or run 1, 2 or 3 laps of the FeldyRoo Fitness Trail.
"The choice is yours, all we want is everyone to get involved. You can fill in an entry form and pick up sponsorship form at any of the pubs - Fountain, Black Wach or Schiehallion.
"Entry is totally free but raised sponsorship or donations on the day would be really appreciated no matter how little or large."
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