Walkers ‘powering’ their way to 100km for charity

A GROUP of local power-walkers are walking their way to 100km to raise money for charity.

The women, from Frome and Beckington, are aiming to raise £6,000 for ChallengeAid, a UK-based charity that aims to help children living in some of Africa’s worst slums by creating ‘Schools of Hope.’ This unique and sustainable concept gives educational support to aspirational young people and £6,000 is needed to be raised to build a new ‘School of Hope’.

The group has so far  raised over £1,500, walking 81km by taking part in six 10km power-walks, and one half-marathon (21km) power-walk since last year. 

They will reach the 100km mark on 20th October, when they will take part in another half-marathon power-walk from Avoncliffe along the Avon & Kennet canal to the Caen Hill Locks between Rowde and Devizes.

The power-walking group are led by Kirsty Doonan from Mamadoo, a local women’s health and fitness company, and Frome-based ChallengeAid fundraiser, Lainey Sweeney.

Lainey told Frome Times, “We love our walks so much, we will probably carry on organising them after we have reached 100km! ChallengeAid promotes health and fitness throughout the UK, motivating people to raise money through exercise, so this power-walking group really fits the brief – we’re getting fit for a purpose.”

To support the power-walkers and to donate to ChallengeAid, visit their JustGiving page: www.just giving.com/fundraising/ mamadoo-powerwalkers

In addition to her power-walking fundraising group, Lainey is also calling on all ‘Fromies’ to join her at a silent disco at the Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon on Saturday 31st August to raise money for ChallengeAid.

Lainey, who previously organised the 80s Rewind Disco at the Silk Mill in March, said, “I can’t keep it silent, I am so excited to host this brilliant event and thrilled to have been embraced by the community, have the support from Frome Rotary Club and Bradford on Avon Town Council for this wonderful cause. I know this will appeal to the Frome community’s party spirit and this time we have 500 tickets!

“This event will kick off with the fabulous Rock Choir, followed by the infamous Cheryl Sprinkler from Mojo Moves limbering everyone up for the night with a groovy disco workout. Then dance the night away to the best 70s, 80s and current hits, tunes changeable through personal headsets. There will be a cash bar and hog roast to help the evening along.”

Tickets for the disco cost £15 per person/discount for a group of 10, all proceeds going directly to the Schools of Hope. Tickets are available from Lainey or Travel Options 4U, The Georgian Lodge & Dixon Health Chiropractors, Kingston Square both in Bradford on Avon. Any more information/ticket sales, please contact Lainey on 07590 384009 or laineysweeneys@gmail.com. For more information visit www.challenge aid.org