A mum-of-two has set herself a mammoth challenge to complete 21 gruelling sporting events in 21 months to raise £21k a year in memory of a young who would have soon celebrated her 21st birthday.
Lauren Donald, aged 40, was inspired by the story of Abbie Main who was aged 15 when she died on Christmas Day 2017 after living with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Having read about Abbie’s wish to ‘leave a legacy,’ Lauren – who is mum to Caleb (9) and Kadee (7) - was inspired to raise money for Abbie Sparkle’s - a Scottish children’s charity providing support for children with cancer across the UK.
Lauren, from Ellon in Aberdeenshire, who started a business with Synergy Worldwide supplements last year, said: “I am no trained athlete, and other than a 10k, I have never taken part in events like these before. I am simply a mother of two who wants to support this amazing charity and raise as much as I can.
“My challenge started in February this year and will run until October 2023 – which would have been Abbie’s 21stbirthday.”
Lauren has recently become a trustee for Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation after organising various fundraising events and supporting them with their Sparkle Lodge in Aviemore, where holiday accommodation is provided for families living with a child who has cancer.
Abbie’s mum Tammy, from Elgin, said: “Abbie’s smile, sparkle, and infectious enthusiasm lit up the room and that’s exactly how Abbie wanted people to remember and celebrate her life
“It was the sense of humour and laugh-out-loud mentality which set Abbie apart and meant she lived every moment to the full.”
Hailed by medics as “incredible and a truly inspirational young woman,” one of Abbie’s wishes was to raise money for “hospitals and stuff” under the charity name Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation.
Heather McKay, Lauren’s colleague and sponsor at Synergy, added: “The goal she’s set for herself is to raise £21,000 each year – a massive £42k over the two years! That’s a bold goal for one person. She’s pretty amazing and I feel like she embodies the spirit of Synergy so well.”
Lauren added: “It’s exciting to be part of the Synergy family – and I will be taking our sports supplements throughout!
“I joined the team and because a business owner after feeling the difference with all my tummy problems.
“Now I help others with the same issues too – there is a group of 8 of us at the moment on the Purify detox programme.”
To make a donation to the challenge visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/21sparklechallenge
The 21 events include:
2022
26 Feb - Cluny Run (5k)
24 April - Glasgow Kiltwalk (16.5miles)
April - Strathdon Ranch Rampage (7.5k)
5-8 May - Loch Awesome SUP (75k)
29 May - Aberdeen Kiltwalk (16.5 miles)
18 June - York inflatable course (5K)
21 August - Dundee Kiltwalk (16.5 miles)
10-11 Sep - UP, Cycle and Run Triathalon (3k SUP, 15k Bike & 5k Run)
18 Sep - Edinburgh Kitlwalk (16.5 miles)
8/9 Oct - Virtual Speyside way Kiltwalk (26.5 miles)
24 Sep - Banchory Beast Race (10k)
26 Dec - Burghead Boxing Day Swim
2023
Tbc Starman Night Triathlon (1.2 mile Swim, 56 mile Bike & 14 mile Run)
Tbc Go Swim – Loch Morlich (750m)
Tbc Aviemore Triathlon (500m Swim, 12k Bike & 5k Run)
Tbc Dundee Kiltwalk (16.5 mile)
Tbc Aberdeen Kiltwalk (16.5 miles)
Tbc Edinburgh Kiltwalk (16.5 miles)
Tbc Glasgow Kiltwalk (16.5 miles)
Tbc Banchory Beast Race (10k)
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