Two 10-year-old girls are appoaching the end of a 100-mile charity challenge in aid of two causes close to their hearts – a Letchworth therapy centre, and research into brain tumour treatment.
Violet Hopkinson and Maddie Delaney set themselves the mammoth ‘100-mile summer’ challenge during the school holidays to support the Herts MS Therapy Centre and Brain Tumour Research.
Violet’s grandmother Nora McKee, from Aston, lives with multiple sclerosis and regularly attends the MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth’s Campus Five.
Mrs McKee said: “I am so touched that Violet and Maddie, at just 10 years old, are thinking of others and approaching their challenge with such determination and gusto.
“They are inspirational young ambassadors for the MS Therapy Centre, which has made such a difference to my life.
“They are also raising awareness for an equally important cause, in Brain Tumour Research. I am proud, beyond words.”
The girls, from Wye in Kent, are fundraising for Brain Tumour Research in honour of Maddie’s auntie Esca – who she never got to meet, as she died from a brain tumour when she was only 13 years old in 1991.
Maddie’s mum Sidonie Delaney said: “Esca was the same age as the girls when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumour, and after surgery and lots of radiotherapy and chemotherapy the tumour returned and she died when she was just 13.
“She was also an amazing fundraiser, even when she was incredibly poorly. She was an inspiration to so many people when we were younger and showed great strength in fighting such a horrible disease.
“We are proud of the girls for doing this in memory of my sister, and to support the MS Therapy Centre.”
Cycling, swimming and walking the 100-mile distance, Violet and Maddie had hoped to split £500 equally between the two charities – but their online fundraising tally has topped £2,000, including Gift Aid.
As of this weekend they have completed 96 miles, covering most of the distance on their bicycles.
Violet’s mother Fiona Hopkinson said: ‘We are so proud of Violet and Maddie’s passion and determination to raise funds and awareness for the MS Therapy Centre and Brain Tumour Research.
“They started their challenge with a cycle through driving rain!
“We are also grateful as a family for the transformational services offered by the centre, that are so beneficial for my mother and many others.”
This fundraising effort comes three years after Violet’s brother Freddie cycled 14 miles along the Bournemouth beachfront to raise £1,000 for the Herts MS Therapy Centre.
You can find out more and support the girls at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/100milesummer.
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