A young couple have marked what would have been their daughter’s 10th birthday – by quietly touching hearts across the nation with a campaign of kindness.

Liann and Colin Weir’s first born daughter, Emily, arrived 15 weeks prematurely, on 6 October 2006.

A week into her life, she developed serious complications and, tragically, little Emily lost her brave battle on October 17.

Liann and Colin, both 34, from Motherwell, have now marked Emily’s legacy – and paid tribute to the care and support she received in Wishaw General Hospital’s neonatal unit – by launching a campaign that’s brought the very best out of all who’ve participated.

“We committed to – and encouraged others on social media – to carry out 10 random acts over 10 months,” said Liann. “Whether it was helping a neighbour in with their shopping, allowing others to move in front of a queue or just doing something that would brighten up someone’s day. The idea was to spread some light – without making a show if it.”

The Weirs encouraged participants to donate £1 for each act – and set to raise £1000 for the neonatal unit. That target has been now broken – with £1250 raised, underlining the strength at heart of communities.

Janice Hewitt, chief accountable officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Our approach also recognises the valuable contribution people at the heart of communities can make to others. Liann and Colin’s story – and Emily’s legacy – demonstrate this.”

Val de Souza, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s director of Health and Social Care, echoed that sentiment. “I’ve no doubt these simple acts touched the lives of the recipients, and the campaign highlights community spirit is alive and well. That’s something we want to harness and build on now and in the future.”

Read the full story – and how people helped – by visiting http://bit.ly/2lwBIN2