Leamington fundraiser puts her best foot forward in aid of two Warwick children's charities

Alex Pearson, who is the community champion at Morrisons in Leamington, took on the challenge between Stratford and Warwick with her dog Chester on December 1.

Along her route she also met with the deputy Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Sam McNaught-Barrow and the Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Jackie D’Arcy.

The walk was held to raise money for Molly Olly’s and Evelyn’s Gift.

Evelyn’s Gift was set up by Helen Smith in memory of her seven-year-old daughter Evelyn Smith, who died unexpectedly in 2013. The charity supports community groups and charities with acts of kindness and promotes learning life-saving skills.

Rachel Ollerenshaw, established Molly Olly’s with her husband Tim in 2011, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing.

It also provides wishes and donates therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The walk also took place on Evelyn’s Gift’s annual ‘Be Happy Day’, which marks Evelyn’s birthday.

Alex said: “I took on a very wet and windy challenge, which saw me and Chester walk from Stratford to Warwick in memory of two young girls who are sadly no longer with us.

“I walked a total of 23 miles – the 20th mile marked what was supposed to be Evelyn’s 20th birthday and the 23rd mile marked what should have been Molly’s 23rd birthday this year.

"They have left us but their legacy is with us thanks to the amazing work of the charities.

“I support these charities each year as they are local and do amazing work – I also love working with Helen and Rachel.”

Like previous years, Alex’s challenge finished at Warwick Castle, where she was joined by representatives from the charities, and there was a special switching on of the castle’s light trail in memory of Evelyn and Molly.

Alex said: “This was the fourth year we have turned the trial on and the castle team were fantastic as they were able to make the light trail the charities colours of pink and purple.”

Alex has now raised more than £1,300 for the charities – and Morrisons is also set to match-fund the donations.

She said: “This was my second challenge of the year due to a battle with Bell’s palsy, which effected my fundraising this year – but next year I have a lot planned to help a lot of charities.”

Helen Smith, said: “Trevor and I are hugely grateful for Alex's continued support on Evelyn's birthday, and to all of the donors that made this year's walk a great success.

"Fund-matching from the Morrisons Foundation is fantastic and will make a significant difference to what we are able to provide.

"We are a small charity with a broad reach, helping children and adults through social services, schools, hospices, nursing teams and other charities.

“From a personal viewpoint, I find it comforting to see so much kindness and support for Evelyn's and for Molly's legacies.”

Rachel Ollerenshaw, added: “Alex has been a great supporter of Molly Ollys not just this year but for many years now.

"She is very thoughtful and considerate to try and include the essence of the charity within her challenges.

"Helping raise both awareness and funds year after year she goes out in all weathers determined to make a difference and all the team at Molly Ollys are hugely grateful.

"None of our work would be possible without the kindness of companies and individuals like Alex who make a difference.”

Alex is currently working on plans for her fundraising efforts next year.