Willington Black Cat’s on charity prowl
A TEENAGER will walk 22 miles to watch her beloved Sunderland play in aid of a toddler who lost her hands and toes to meningitis.
Lauren Watkins, 16, has raised more than £3,000 for Tilly Lockey, the four-year-old from Tow Law, since being taught by Tilly’s dad Adam at Parkside School in Willington.
Tilly Lockey contracted meningococcal septicaemia, a deadly form of meningitis, when she was just 17 months old and as a result lost her hands and toes to the disease.
Her parents launched the Give Tilly A Hand campaign to buy her prosthetic hands. Now Lauren from Sunnybrow is planning her biggest fundraising effort yet by walking from her front door to the Stadium Of light on Sunday, August 29, in time for the Black Cat’s 3pm kick-off against Manchester City.
Lauren, who will be joined on the walk by her mum Andrea, said: “Mr Lockey was my form tutor when Tilly was born and then when she got ill. He brought her in and she was so lovely that ever since, I’ve wanted to help.”
This will be the fourth year Lauren’s raised for Tilly. Previous accomplishments include twice completing the 10-mile Great North Walk with sister Chloe,11, and a seven-mile walk from Bishop Auckland to Brandon.
The Sunderland season ticket holder will leave home at 6am and hopes to get to the Stadium of light in time for kick off.
Andrea said: “I’m just going to make sure she’s safe, it’s all Lauren’s idea and she’s the one that’s getting sponsored. We’re not quite sure how long it will take so we gave ourselves a lot of time, I know Lauren won’t be too happy if its five to three and we’re still at Houghton.”
Lauren has pledged to walk no matter what the weather.
She said: “Even if it’s snowing I’ll still go. It’s two of my favourite things, raising money for Tilly and watching Sunderland.
“I want to do something bigger next year, maybe an abseil or walking to Tottenham as that’s Mr Lockey’s favourite team.”
To sponsor Lauren telephone Andrea on 07923645346. Sponsorship forms can also be found at Willington Resource Centre and the Wear Valley Mercury office at 43, Hope Street, Crook.