Competitors are being sought for a charity run and cycle challenge in memory of a young Lewis woman who died of Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 21.
The Golden Eagle challenge – a 10.6 mile run and 19.7 mile cycle – will take place in Harris and mark what would have been Leanne Mitchell’s 30th birthday.
All proceeds will go towards The Leanne Fund, which offers support services across the Highlands and Islands and Grampian for those suffering from the life-threatening condition.
The fund was set up in 2009 by Leanne’s family and has continued to expand and develop a range of social, practical, emotional and financial services for Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families. Its aim is to create happy memories now that can last a lifetime.
Chrisetta Mitchell, development manager of The Leanne Fund, said: “We wanted to organise a different event this summer to mark Leanne’s 30th birthday.
“The Golden Eagle Challenge has a challenging route which we hope will appeal to competitors from both near and far and we are happy to also accept team entries.
“We decided to call this event The Golden Eagle Challenge because Harris is known for its wildlife and has around 20 pairs of Golden Eagles in residence. Our route will take participants over part of the ‘Outer Hebrides Bird of Prey Trail’ so we thought this was an apt name.
“This is a charity fundraising event and we are asking participants to raise sponsorship and help us to expand our work in supporting those with Cystic Fibrosis.”
Cystic Fibrosis is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited diseases, affecting more than 10,500 people in the country.
The condition affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus.
Entries for the event are now open online at
http://www.theleannefund.co.uk/entry-form.html or
by email at info@theleannefund.co.uk or by post to The Leanne Fund, 36 Point Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2XF.
