Teenage Fundraiser

Words by Suhaila Ahmed Photos by Kellyanne Devenney

Clydebank teenager Courtney Devenney is on a fundraising mission in memory of her father Joseph, who sadly passed away in 2019 after a brave battle with oesophageal cancer.

Since then, Courtney, now 14, takes on a new challenge every year to honour his legacy by giving back to the local community.

“Iʼm raising money for St Margaretʼs Hospice because they helped my Dad when he was struggling,” she shares.

“I want to help people like they helped him.”

Joy in Helping

Courtneyʼs journey has not only raised vital funds but also taught her something profound about herself—she finds joy in helping others.

Each year, she eagerly takes on new challenges, with the Glasgow Kiltwalk becoming a cherished tradition.

To mark the sixth anniversary of her fatherʼs passing, Courtney undertook her most ambitious challenge yet: walking the entire 97 mile West Highland Way in just six days.

Moved by the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the heartfelt generosity of local businesses, she found the courage to camp outside for the very first time, determined to
complete the challenge.

Alongside this impressive feat, she continues to run a lemonade stall which she loves—and her efforts donʼt stop there.

Her JustGiving page surpassed all expectations, raising £3,085—an incredible 308% over her original £1,000 goal.

“Itʼs amazing,” she said. “Iʼm ecstatic with all the people who helped me—theyʼre very kind.”

Courtney often shares live videos and personal stories on the Call Yerself a Bankie Facebook platform.

This has become a meaningful way for her to stay connected to memories of her Dad as followers share their stories of him with her.

She even sold her toys and raised £75 to support families facing cancer and set up a lemonade stand to help the Beatson Cancer charity.

Mother's Pride

By her side every step of the way is her mother, Kellyanne, who deeply understands how much this mission means to her daughter.

“Itʼs about creating things like this going forward,” Kellyanne says. “And without people being there to support, it would never be possible.”

Many of the businesses who supported her this year expressed a desire to be more involved in future fundraising events.

Theyʼve asked her to notify them earlier so they can coordinate their support and even sponsor one another.

And when she participates in a walk challenge, she proudly wears their logos on her T-shirt as a sign of gratitude and partnership.

“Maybe next time, weʼll be able to do something even bigger — or better,” her mother spoke with a hopeful smile.

When asked if she expected this level of determination from her daughter, she responds without hesitation.

“Yes!” she says, beaming with pride. “She is just driven. She plans everything herself and excels in all that she does. Sheʼs such a hard-working girl, Iʼm so proud of her.”

At just 14 years old, Courtney has already made a meaningful impact on her community through her dedication to fundraising.

Despite the challenges she has faced, she never gives up and always carries a smile on her face.

When asked what advice she would give to anyone hoping to honour a loved one through fundraising, Courtney doesnʼt hesitate.

“Just go for it,” she says with a smile. “Youʼll be surprised by how much support is out there.

“When I started, I thought it would be something small; I never imagined raising this much, and that kept me going.”

Support Clydesider by becoming a member here: Join Clydesider Community Magazine's Membership