Oldmeldrum-based charity, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars (KWS), held its much-loved annual cycle challenge in Aberdeenshire on Saturday, October 5, with 202 cyclists of all ages taking part. Collectively they raised just over £6,000 for the charity.
Last year’s planned event disappointingly had to be cancelled due to extreme weather, however, the weather stayed mainly dry this weekend for loyal supporters of the charity, as well as new fundraisers keen to make a difference. Kicking off at the Axis Centre in Newmachar, participants had the option of a variety of cycle distances to choose from including two family friendly off roaders of 12 and 17 miles along the railway line to Dyce, in addition to the regular 57-mile option and the Kayleigh’s ‘Big Star’ 90-mile challenge which loops around Donside.
KWS was set up in 2012 by Jonathan and Anna Cordiner after tragically losing their 2-year-old daughter Kayleigh to a terminal brain tumour. When Kayleigh was diagnosed in December 2011, her parents took time off work, vowing to make her last few months as special and memorable as possible. They set up the charity to help relieve the financial pressure on other families with a terminally ill child.
Anna Cordiner, Kayleigh’s mum and KWS Charity Manager, said, “We are so grateful to the families, friends and individual cyclists who all joined together for our cycle challenge, which not only raised a fantastic amount of funds for our charity, but was also a fun day out and a personal achievement for so many. We love bringing people together.
Anna Cordiner, Jonathan Cordiner and Tom Sherrington
“We’d also like to express our huge thanks to all the venues, Axis Centre in Newmachar, Premnay Hall, Riverside Café and Midmar Hall and local businesses who have helped support us on the day. And finally, our amazing, dedicated volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly – we couldn’t do it without them.”
Jonathan Cordiner, Kayleigh’s dad KWS co-founder said, “Despite getting rained on at times, there was a great atmosphere at the finish, and we are delighted the event raised £6,000. We are always so thankful to our volunteers, and the participants who made the event possible. Their support allows us to continue helping families across Scotland at the most difficult time in their lives, by alleviating some of the financial pressure and helping courageous children to make precious memories with those closest to them.”
www.kayleighsweestars.co.uk.