Elgin girl Ella Langdale (15) raising money for her CHAS carers with 10K walk around her block
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN ELGIN girl is set to overcome a personal mountain to raise money for those who help take care of her.
Ella Langdale (15), who attends Forres Academy, has a rare form of childhood onset epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, meaning she suffers from uncontrolled seizures and weakness in her bones.
Since lockdown, Ella and her family, mum Kristy (35), dad Ross (36) and sisters Evie (12) and Erin (9), have been helped by two carers from Children's Hospices Around Scotland (CHAS).
Carers Mairi and Steph have provided amazing support, says mum Kristy, and now Ella wants to repay them by walking 100 laps – roughly 10 kilometres – around her cul de sac in New Hamilton Gardens to raise funds for CHAS.
"Ella really struggles with walking and depends on a wheelchair," Kristy explained. "But she has recently got a walking frame and is really excited to get some freedom.
"She is the happiest, cheekiest girl. Everyone who comes into contact with her knows how sweet she can be. She goes through so much but it doesn't phase her.
"She is excited to take on this challenge – although we have to keep reminding her that if she goes too fast she will tire herself out and won't be able to do as many laps."
Kristy, who works at Brodie Castle, said the service Mairi and Steph have provided has been invaluable, especially as dad Ross is set to be away with the RAF until at least September.
This is the children's way of thanking them.
Kristy said: "CHAS is all about making happy memories together as a family. We got involved with them just before lockdown.
"Mairi and Steph are qualified nurses that help support our family. They play games, help make tea and are just another friendly face in the house and bit of extra support.
"We know how important it is that CHAS keeps on going, and the girls thought it would be nice to give something back.
"Ella can do about two or three laps a day so it might take us a while to get to 100 but having her sisters encouraging her is helping a lot.
"Ella's condition affects us all, including the girls as they get older. But they have been getting along and supporting each other so well since lockdown."
All three girls are walking the 100 laps together, with plans to dress up, and have already hit their original fundraising targets.
The first aim was to raise £150, but that total was smashed within 24 hours, with the second and third goals of £300 and £500 also reached within three days.
Kristy added: "We have had people we don't even know donating and encouraging Ella and that has been really lovely.
"I think we might need to change the goal again!
"We know times are hard and anything that anybody can give is really appreciated. We have been overwhelmed by the support."
You can donate to Ella's fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ellas-100-laps-for-chas.
