Two Warwickshire fundraisers took to pedal power once again to fundraise for Molly Ollys – putting themselves through 12 miles along The Grand Union Canal!
Friends Alex Pearson from Stratford and Emma Brayne from Warwick navigated tunnels and locks as part of their intrepid challenge, and they did it on the 15th June – a hugely significant date for us as it was the eleventh anniversary of 8-year-old Molly’s death. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the charity.
The pair, who were joined on their journey by Alex’s canine companions Archie and Chester, beat last year’s total of £2,000, raising £2,386 including match-funding by The Morrisons Foundation.
The ladies, who have had the support of Leamington Boats and The Canal River Trust, pedalled between The View at Wootton Wawen and Hatton, where Molly’s family live. The end of the challenge was marked by a poignant release of 10 butterflies outside Hatton Café.
Alex, a community champion for Morrisons in Leamington, said: “At the store we really want to support our local charities and when I met Rachel it was emotional to hear Molly’s story. This is a great charity which supports so many children in both our community and around the country.
Last year’s pedalo challenge was amazing. Our main aim is to raise money and awareness for the charity but have some fun doing it. Last year we had a lot of laughs on the way.”
Molly’s mum and the charity’s founder, Rachel: “This was a bittersweet day for me as the 15th June is the date Molly passed away 10 years ago. Alex and Morrisons Leamington have been such great supporters of ours for the past couple of years and following the success of last year’s pedalo challenge, Alex was keen to offer her fundraising support again. She seems to enjoy putting herself through pain! We cheered her and Emma on from the sidelines of the towpath.”
