PEDAL power will be driving two Warwickshire fund-raisers putting their weight behind an unusual challenge for a children’s charity.
Friends Alex Pearson from Stratford and Emma Brayne from Warwick, will be joined by two canine companions as they travel almost 12km of The Grand Union Canal – in a pedalo.
The pair have been in training to prepare for the eight-hour challenge, which will see them set off from Radford Semele and finish at Hatton Locks, in mid July in aid of Warwick charity Molly Olly’s Wishes.
Alex, who has been named community champion where she works at Morrisons, said: “We did some really good work with other charities and I was told about the work Molly Olly’s do. I was so keen to support and help raise money for this great charity.
“We’ve been doing lots of pedalling on a machine while working at our desks with our feet going like mad underneath. We know this is going to be hard and we are having lots of practice on the pedalo beforehand to get ourselves ready.
“I like to think outside the box when it comes to fundraising. All my family and friends say I am mad but they know what I decide to do is for the greater good. I like to do the toughest challenge and push myself as much as possible.”
Along with Emma, Alex will be joined, as on most of her challenges, with her dogs Archie and Chester.
“These two are my world and I love the fact they can join me in doing these fundraisers. Also people like to donate money because of them,” she added.
Emma, 39, added: “I felt I wanted to play my part to help Alex. When I heard which charity it was in aid of and learned all about what they do, it only made me want to help even more. Molly Olly’s do so much for families going through the unimaginable turmoil experienced by a poorly child, so me suffering a few sore limbs is nothing.”
Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwick-based charity provides emotional support to children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, as well as granting wishes and donating therapeutic toys and books.
Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “We always love new and creative ways to fund-, raise and Alex’s pedalo challenge is certainly that. Alex and the team at Morrisons Leamington have been very supportive. They do so much for our local community. Molly Olly’s are very grateful for the help and would ask people to support where they can. The latest delays in the rules have meant that more fundraising events have had to be cancelled so any fundraising is very welcome as we have many families who need our support.”
The women, who have had the support of Leamington Boats and The Canal River Trust, are also adding collection tins in the store and hope to reach their fundraising target of £500.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-pearson17 to donate.
