Cooper Park welly waddle to raise money for Scottish Cot Death Trust
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MORAY woman is aiming to raise funds for a charity close to her heart with a walk in Elgin.
Fran Mitchell, from Lossiemouth, has organised a five kilometre long "welly waddle", which will take place at Cooper Park on Saturday, March 21, at noon.
Her aim is to raise £3000 for the Scottish Cot Death Trust, a charity which means a lot to her after she lost her first-born. Baby Fiona died a cot death in 1988 and Fran, who is now a happy mother and grandmother, has been fundraising for the charity ever since.
She said: "It is coming up for 32 years since Fiona passed away. Back in 1988 there wasn't the support for the bereaved families there is now.
"I have always been passionate about fundraising and raising awareness about cot death and the Scottish Cot Death Trust.
"I have participated in two fire walks and a glass walk. My first one was about eight years ago and it was a fire walk in Ayr and I have done a fire walk in Lossiemouth, which was hosted by Claire and (councillor) Ryan Edwards. They have also recently held a glass walk, which I participated in.
"That is where my inspiration has come from. They had good amount of interest in that, but I wanted to do something completely different.
"I'm a granny and the reason behind doing the walk is that it's something my grandchildren can be involved in. It's a community thing."
So far about 40 people are signed up for the waddle. Entrants of all ages are welcomed and encouraged, but not required, to wear welly boots. Children will be presented with a certificate after completing the 3.1 mile walk.
Fran has organised a raffle, and has been taken aback by the help provided by local businesses in donating prizes.
She added: "I have just gone round people with cap in my hand to local businesses and it's been overwhelming. People have been so generous.
"Graeme Cormie, a photographer in Elgin, donated without being asked which was really overwhelming. We have got guitar lessons, hairdressing vouchers, avon vouchers. The Wee Icy messaged independently too and are going to attend the event and donate 10 per cent of their profits to the Scottish Cot Death Trust.
"It has kicked off a lot better than I thought. I was sent two dozen sponsorship forms and I've had to get more. I'm hoping it will kick off even more when I get posters put up around Elgin."
If you're interested in taking part in the walk, get in touch with Fran on 07494 757303 or 01343 81579. You can also like the walk's Facebook page via this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/489293318660059/.
