A local disability support enterprise is enjoying fundraising success after one of their employees completed the Manchester half-marathon.
Helen Taylor has raised over £160 for Skiggle, a non-profit online community that helps people who come into contact with disabilities in a personal or professional capacity.
Helen, who is Skiggle’s administrator, said, “Those 13.1 miles were the toughest of my life! Every fibre of my leg muscles were begging me to stop, especially at mile 11 – at that point I had no idea how I was going to make the last two miles.
“But I did it. I made it round the entire course without walking or stopping. My aim was 2 hours 20 minutes but my official time was 2 hours 9 minutes, and I even squeezed in a new 10 mile personal best. After battling the 18-20 degree heat, as well as fatigue and exhaustion, I’m ecstatic.”
Skiggle was set up by Preston Mum, Christine Singleton, in 2016 after she struggled to access the equipment needed to help care for her son, who has Cerebral Palsy.
As a self-funded enterprise, Skiggle relies on donations and sponsorships from users. The current fundraising drive aims to grow the community nationwide, increasing the chances of consumable emergencies being solved.
Read more: How you can help this Preston Mum’s disability support enterprise
Helen continued, “I had aimed to raise £100, and donations to date take me to £163 with some still left to come in. I am so incredibly grateful as, without such generous support, I’m not sure I would have found the strength to finish the course.
“We are now able to push forwards with the printing of our marketing materials, all of which will be used with the view of growing the online Skiggle community.”
Skiggle will be raising funds and awareness at Blackpool Carers’ Garden Party on Saturday 16 June and Tram Sunday at Fleetwood on Sunday 15 July. A brave member of the public, Kathleen Miller is taking on the one mile course of The Great North Swim in Lake Windermere on Sunday 10 June.
Read more: Climbing the Three Peaks is not the end of this man’s challenges
Helen said: “Kathleen is a member of the public who has taken it upon herself to do this challenge for Skiggle. If anyone would like to go and support her, that would be fantastic. We would also love people to come to meet and talk with us at our events.”
Are you aware of Skiggle’s work? Let us know in the comments below.