Methil carer and six-year-old daughter reunited after 119 days apart

Six-year-old Ashlyn Graham lived with her grandparents in Craigrothie between April 3 and July 31, but was reunited with her mum, as well as her two older brothers and little sister, at their Methil home at the end of July, after more than three months apart.

With her mum working nights at a St Andrews care home, and her granddad classed as vulnerable because of his age, Ashlyn was forced to live with her grandparents until it was safe enough for her to return home.

Ashlyn and her mum kept in contact using Skype. She did manage to see her mum once during their time apart, however, grandmother Lynne Napier said it proved to be a setback.

“Ashlyn was good at sticking to the guidelines for her grandad,” said Lynne. “She took it all onboard and she understood she was helping to keep her grandad safe. She seemed to accept that that was what she had to do.

“After a few weeks we took her to the care home for the clap for carers.

“She had a meltdown after seeing her mum, and started asking when she could see her mum. It wasn’t the best thing to do because it upset her.”

Despite the one setback, Ashlyn remained positive and kept busy during lockdown, doing arts and crafts with Lynne, some gardening with her grandad, David, daily PE classes with Joe Wicks on YouTube, highland dancing, and singing – Ashlyn is one of the Mary Bradford Singers.

She also made cupcakes and delivered them to her friends’ homes in a five mile radius, dropping them off at the door as not to get too close to anyone.

“She learned lots of new skills with her grandad and I,” said Lynne.

There was also plenty of schoolwork to keep Ashlyn busy.

“The schoolwork was good,” said Lynne.

“She complained that she was doing more work at home than she was at school. She got glowing reports, though.”

At the end of her time at her grandparents’ home, Ashlyn was given a medal for being a “wee star”.

She was then reunited with her mum at their Methil home, and was given a new kitten as a present, which she has named Simba.

“She was really excited to see her brothers and sister again,” said Lynne. “We’re so proud of her. She’s had a lot to deal with in her life.

“She’s just a wee star. It’s a great achievement.”