A BIG hearted Redditch schoolgirl is on the cusp of raising £2,500 for Guide Dogs – and she’s hoping one last push will help her smash that target.
Lauren Carrington, aged 11, embarked on her fundraising mission fully 18 months ago after being inspired by a school project to ‘do something for the community’.
Since then she’s organised two coffee mornings, climbed Snowdon, made loom bands and stashed away her pocket money for the cause.
And it’s something close to the Walkwood Middle School pupil’s heart, as her proud mum Gemma is registered blind and relies on her precious guide dog Jeanette to help her.
“She knows the difference Jeanette makes for us as a family,” said Gemma, a teaching assistant in the Maths department at Walkwood.
“Lauren’s known me with and without a dog and has at times been my carer and she appreciates just how important a guide dog is.”
Jeanette is Gemma’s fourth guide dog and she’s been playing a vital role in the family ever since she arrived three years ago.
“When we had the snow two years ago without Jeanette I would have been housebound,” said Gemma.
Jeanette was also by her side when together with Lauren and husband Matt they scaled Snowdon, which brought in £745 alone for the charity.
Taken together Lauren has raised £2,402.02 and she’s hoping to break the £2,500 at a special party at the 19th Hole at Redditch Golf Club in Lower Grinsty Lane, Oakenshaw on Saturday, November 23.
Featuring Morton Stanley Festival headliners Sub Zero – who are playing for nothing – party games, a buffet supper and a raffle groaning with top prizes are all promised.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for under 12s and every penny raised will go to Guide Dogs.
To help with catering Gemma could do with an early indication of numbers – to book your tickets email: [email protected].
