Member Article

North East woman raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support

A boots pharmacy technician ran 16 miles across Northumberland and North Tyneside before crossing the finishing line at Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure in Cramlington last Friday (16 August) in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

24-year-old Lauren Barrett is fundraising in memory of her friend Rachel Dodds who died, aged 29, just 17 days after she was diagnosed with cancer.

In the second of three events dedicated to her friend, Lauren and her friends, including Rachel’s brother Sean, set off from Blyth on Friday at 10am and passed through a selection of Boots stores including Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North Shields and Killingworth before arriving at Manor Walks in Cramlington at 4.30pm.

Lauren said: “A lot of people have told me I’m really inspiring, but it is actually Rachel who is the inspiration. She was loved by so many people.”

Having surpassed her original target of raising £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support, Lauren has now received donations in excess of £3,600 after also completing the Norse 10k Challenge earlier this year and is yet to participate in the BUPA Great North Run this September.

Bruno Coppola, general manager at Manor Walks, said: “Lauren and the team finished their long journey at the Manor Walks Boots store with huge smiles having raised a lot of money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Their aim to raise awareness of the vital role Macmillan nurses play in caring for cancer patients in their own homes has certainly been achieved and they should be extremely proud of themselves.”

To support Lauren’s fundraising efforts, Boots Cramlington has raised £550 through its in-store raffle in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support which offered prizes including a pair of cinema tickets and a Boots hamper. To make a donation to Lauren visit www.justgiving.com/lauren-barrett4

With over 100 retailers including Northumberland’s only multiplex cinema and a great range of family restaurants as well as high street favourites and independent stores, Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure in Cramlington offers a huge amount of choice to suit a range of tastes.

To keep up-to-date on Manor Walks’ events and offers visit the new Manor Walks website www.manorwalks.co.uk, Like the official Facebook page and follow @ManorWalks on Twitter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure .