Forres Academy pupil calls on local support as she completes mammoth fundraising challenge for Children's Hospices Across Scotland
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A FORRES Academy pupil is calling on local support as she prepares to complete a mammoth fundraising journey tomorrow.
Ella Langdale (15), who lives in Elgin, has Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a complex, rare and severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy which leaves her prone to uncontrolled seizures.
Throughout the last three months, Ella, mum Kristy (35) and sisters Evie (13) and Erin (10) have been assisted in their everyday life by Mairi Stirling and Steph Whytock, two carers from the CHAS at Home team.
Ella wanted to repay them for their help, and has walked 98 laps of her cul-de-sac in Duffus Crescent to raise £2000 for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
With the initial target to walk 100 laps, the finishing line is in sight, with Ella set to complete the journey tomorrow.
However, the family is calling upon locals to accompany them as they cross the finish line.
Ella's mother Kristy said: “The local enthusiasm for what Ella is doing has been really heartening – neighbours come out to donate and encourage her on her way.
"We would love for anyone from the area to come out and join us for a socially-distanced stroll through the last two laps on Saturday.”
All three girls have walked the 98 laps so far together, sometimes dressing up for the occasion, and have smashed their original fundraising target many times over.
The first aim was to raise £150, but that total was smashed within 24 hours, with the second and third goals of £300 and £500 also reached within three days.
At the last count, Ella and her sisters had so far raised a phenomenal £2,000.
Ruathy Donald, community fundraiser for CHAS, said: “The response to Ella’s challenge has been a real beacon for CHAS in the north-east of Scotland and has helped keep us visible when families need us the most.
"Fundraisers like Ella are helping us sustain services. On behalf of the CHAS at Home team and the charity in general, we are humbled that the Langdale family have gone to all these efforts. Myself, Steph and Mairi are going to enjoy accompanying them over that finish line.”
You can donate to Ella's fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ellas-100-laps-for-chas .
