An inspiring Alexandria fundraiser is taking on her biggest challenge yet.
Visually impaired Felicity Kelly, 11, sister Freyja and guiderunner, Karen Nicol will take on the Run Loch Lomond 5k next weekend - aiming to raise funds for the charity VICTA (Visually Impaired Children Taking Action).
VICTA is a national charity that provides support to children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted from the day they are born up to the age of 29.
They also offer support to their families.
Felicity has enjoyed some once-in-a-lifetime experiences thanks to VICTA, who have also helped her learn essential lifeskills.
And that made the big-hearted Christie Park Primary pupil determined to support those who have supported her.
Felicity’s guiderunner Karen explained: “It was Felicity’s idea to raise money for VICTA. They run weekends away that she goes to.
“Last month, she was in England with the charity and they do family weekends. She had a lovely time with her parents and her sister.
“They do things to boost confidence and help her with day-to-day tasks like making her own packed lunch.
“Her mum sent a video of her doing something they call the Leap of Faith, which is a high rope thing.
“She jumped off this high rope, completely on her own, attached with a harness.
“It’s amazing the work they do with sight impaired children.
“She was telling me all about her weekend a few weeks ago and I asked her if she’d like to raise money to thank them, and she said of course she did.”
For her latest challenge Felicity will be joined by sister Freyja.
Karen believes that running alongside her sister in front of a big crowd on the Bonnie Banks will give Felicity a big boost.
She continued: “We’re just starting to build up her distance a wee bit.
“We did the 5k Parkrun this weekend to help build her confidence. She was a bit concerned that she wouldn’t manage the full distance, but I knew that she would.
“Last week when it was roasting I didn’t think there was any way that she’d want to run after school. But she said we needed to get our run done, she’s totally committed.
“She loves the volunteers clapping and cheering as she goes, and it’s something that she says helps her pick up her pace.”
And Karen herself is to take on her own challenges for the charity, starting with the gruelling Highland Backyard Ultra in July.
She explained: “The charity got in touch with me to offer me a place at the London Marathon in 2024.
“I’ll continue the fundraising with my running because it’s so great to see the work they do first hand.
“Before that though I have the Highland Backyard Ultra. It’s a four mile loop that you do on the hour every hour.
“It’s a last man standing style event with no finish line and no set time that you run for. You just keep going until there’s nobody left.
To donate to Felicity’s fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/page/karen-wells-1682855745924.
