Inverness woman raises awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) charity in memory of her cousin
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An Inverness woman started fundraising for the Leanne Fund after her cousin lost her lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis.
Emma Wilson (30) decided to run the Loch Ness Marathon last October, raising more than £2300 for the charity, which helps children suffering from CF and their families in the Highlands and Islands.
Jade Munro died aged 23 last April.
Ms Wilson said the cause was close to her heart: “Jade was an amazing person and never complained about her condition even though she had to live with it her whole life.
“She was so generous that before she died she asked to donate her beautiful hair to the Princess Trust to help kids with cancer.
“She said it was the only thing she could donate as she couldn’t become an organ donor because of her condition.”
Ms Wilson knew about the Leanne Fund because Jade had received some support from it.
She said: “The Leanne Fund does such a great job in helping children with CF, and it’s a local charity, so I felt I wanted to do something to help them.
“I am a keen runner but I had never run a marathon before and it was more demanding than I had thought. I’d like to do more fundraising activities in the future.”
Ms Wilson has been helped by pupils at Cradlehall Nursery, who contributed to the fundraising effort by collecting almost £400 at their Christmas shows.
Chrisetta Mitchell, development manager at the Leanne Fund, said: “We are so grateful to Emma for her support of the Leanne Fund in memory of her cousin Jade.
“The incredible total raised from her marathon run will be used to provide vital services to those affected by cystic fibrosis.”
The Leanne Fund is in its 10th anniversary year.
To find out more about the charity, visit www.theleannefund.co.uk and visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-wilson146 for Ms Wilson’s Just Giving page where donations can be made.
