Brave Maya lights up night with ‘miracle’ walk

5000 people attended the firework display at Meadowbank. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Colour erupted across the skyline of Meadowbank Stadium, when seven-year-old Maya McRobbie, pressed the button to begin the Capital’s largest fireworks display, with her proud parents watching close by.

Maya, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, first appeared at the fireworks display in 2012, using a walking frame and wearing knee high splints.

She touched the hearts of thousands when she launched her own fund-raising campaign to finance pioneering surgery that could help her walk unaided.

Her dad, Gary, addressed the crowds last night to tell them they had “Made Maya’s miracle come true.”

Her mum, Carol, said: “We cannot thank the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians enough for their huge generosity and kindness in supporting Maya.

“She really could not have gone to the USA for this surgery without their support - and it has changed her life.”

Carol added that Maya wanted to return to the Meadowbank Fireworks night to show people that she could walk, and to thank them for their generosity.”

Maya McRobbie lights up the night at Meadowbank firework display. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Despite it being cold and wet, 4,730 fireworks fans attended the sold out event, and cheered little Maya on as she launched the display.

The McRobbie family, and the crowds, enjoyed a the colourful show accompanied by classic hits from Queen, Wham and the Jackson 5.

The Burgoyne family from Newingston, said the display “was absolutely brilliant” and “worked great” in collaboration with the music.

They added: “A little bit of wind wouldn’t have gone a miss to blow away the mist.”