Two Bishop’s Stortford College Upper Sixth girls aim to raise £10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease by embarking upon marathon walk.
Bishop’s Stortford College Upper Sixth students, Emelia Mitchell and Ellie Lewis, will be tackling a marathon walk, totalling 26.4 miles from Ugley Green to Cambridge, on Saturday 20th March in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).
Motor Neurone Disease is an uncommon, rapidly progressing neurological disease which attacks the nerves controlling movement and leads to degeneration of the muscles. Currently, there is no treatment for this disease. Chosen as the Bishop’s Stortford College Senior School Charity of the Year, the MND Association is a charity focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
Inspired by Ellie’s mum, Gilly, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 and has been fighting it ever since, the girls initially set themselves a target of raising £2,640, a figure which reflects the distance they will be walking. As a result of their fundraising efforts and the generosity of friends, family, neighbours and their local communities, the girls have already raised just over £8,900 and now look to achieve their new goal of £10,000.
Ellie spoke passionately, “We want to show my mum love and support by completing this walk and showing her that there is always hope. Every penny we raise will make a difference to people with MND and their families.”
As well as going out on socially distanced walks together to prepare themselves for the marathon, the girls have also been rallying support from their peers and members of staff in school assemblies whilst tackling mock exams, studying for their final exams and considering their university options. Mrs Mitchell, Emelia’s mum commented, “…it’s to their credit that they have taken this (initiative) on board… both started (at the College) at age 4 in reception and have been very invested students along with their families in every aspect of College life.”
The College is enormously proud of Emelia and Ellie’s fundraising efforts and would like to wish them the best of luck for their walk on 20th March. Anyone wishing to donate to the girls’ cause can do so by following the link here, Fundraiser by Ellie Lewis : Emelia and Ellie’s Marathon for MND (gofundme.com).