A Trafford Council worker isn’t just going the extra mile to raise money – she’s going the extra 100km!
Ailsa McArthur, 27, has been doing the mammoth run over the month of May to raise money for The Darby Rimmer Motor Neurone Disease Foundation. Ailsa said the good cause is close to her heart after he mum, Christine, died from the disease last year.
Ailsa, who is a trainee social worker for the Council, said:
My mum was a really amazing and inspirational person. The Foundation helps support those living with Motor Neurone Disease and funds research into treatments.
It’s a really horrible disease – if you get it, you are just waiting to deteriorate, there’s no effective treatment so more research is vital.”
Ailsa has so far managed 81km during the month, keeping track using a mobile phone app as she runs. But the running hasn’t been without difficulty.
She said:
I’ve never even run a 10km before so this a real challenge. I’ve been getting blisters on my toes – I need to get better running shoes!”
Inspiration to keep going has come from the son of Ailsa’s cousin. Maxwell is only nine but is running 50km in May for the same cause. Maxwell has hypermobility so this is a difficult personal challenge for him.
Away from the running, Ailsa is helping vulnerable children in her role, which has been made even tougher due to the lockdown. Ailsa, who finishes her training in August, said:
I am working with a range of children but a lot are enjoying talking via video chat and I’m still managing to do creative things with them.”
Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
Ailsa is inspirational! Not only is she doing great work as a social worker but she is also raising money for a very worthy cause. I am amazed at her dedication and enthusiasm.”
To donate visit Ailsa'a Just Giving page.
Posted on Tuesday 26th May 2020