Determined fundraisers overcame a puncture and the hottest temperatures of the year to complete a 21-mile charity trek around south Warwickshire this week.
Prolific fundraiser and Morrisons Community Champion in Leamington, Alex Pearson was this year joined for the first time on her annual fundraiser for Warwick charity Molly Ollys, by its founder Rachel Ollerenshaw.
The pair, who planned to travel around the region on an electric rickshaw, fell foul of an irreparable flat tyre just an hour into the eight-hour journey but decided to complete the challenge on foot and managing to raise £2,000.
Molly Ollys mascot Olly The Brave went along for the ride and they were met en route by the mayors of each of the three towns they visited, Councillor Dave Skinner in Warwick; Councillor Judith Clarke in Leamington and Councillor Alan Chalmers in Kenilworth as well as the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Raji Kair Gill.
Alex’s previous pedal-powered fundraisers for Molly Ollys have included a pedalo along the Grand Union Canal and a side by side tandem cycle ride. She said: “What a day! When you plan a fundraiser and it’s all good and then on the day something has to go wrong.
“Sadly we had to ditch the tuk tuk but we still ploughed on. It was great to bring the awareness of the charity to passers by. We did it but the heat was not on our side. Being the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 30’c we did struggle but everyone we saw was kind offering us drinks, ice cream and food.
“It’s amazing to know we raised over £1,000 and that Morrisons is matchfunding it. I really appreciate Rachel taking time out of her busy week to help me and keep me company.”
Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and husband Tim following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
The therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres, along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.
Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Our day didn’t go quite as planned. Alex has done annual challenges to support Molly Ollys over the past four years and her team of friends that usually support were not available this year, so I offered to help ride the rickshaw. Little did I expect that it would turn into a walk.
“Not being the fittest, this then did turn into a challenge for me on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, but it was good fun, great to be supported by the Mayors and High Sheriff and has helped raise both funds and awareness. Big thanks to Alex and everyone for their support.”
For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit HERE.
