Cumberland colleagues embark on 2,500 mile charity challenge
Sometimes a story is so powerful that you just have to act.
That was the sentiment behind a group of Cumberland colleagues who have signed themselves up to complete 2,500 miles for charity.
A total of 27 colleagues from The Cumberland’s Scottish branches have volunteered to collectively walk, swim or cycle their way to the 2,500 mile target over the course of a single month, culminating in a group walk up Gray Mare’s Tail near Moffat.
The cause? Burning Nights CRPS Support, a charity offering support and raising awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a rare and devastating condition that causes severe, relentless pain, and is one that’s hitting close to home for the team.
Scottish branch colleague Mel Harkness’ daughter Emeli was diagnosed with CRPS, and the condition has turned everyday life into a constant battle. What began with a seemingly innocuous sprained wrist, turned into a long-term struggle. After months of tests and back and forth, the diagnosis was made.
As Mel told us: “My daughter Emeli has always been a bright, loving and determined little girl. She loves spending time with her family and friends, making people smile, dancing, playing football and simply being a child. But our lives changed forever when she was diagnosed with CRPS.
“Watching your child live with relentless pain is something no parent can ever prepare for. Simple things that most children take for granted such as walking, dancing, playing football, going to school, showering, getting dressed or even being hugged, all became painful challenges for Emeli.
“Despite everything, Emeli continues to amaze us every single day. She faces challenges that no child should ever have to face, yet she still finds reasons to smile. She is brave, kind, determined and continues to fight every single day, even when she is frightened or exhausted.
“CRPS has changed every part of our lives, but it has also shown us the kindness and compassion of so many people. We are sharing Emeli’s story to raise awareness of this devastating condition and to help other families feel less alone.”
After hearing Mel and Emeli’s story, The Cumberland’s Scottish branches, led by Rebecca Burney and Hannah Williamson, came together to take on the 2,500 mile ‘Bonnie Cumberland Challenge’ in aid of Burning Nights. Funds raised will assist the charity with its efforts to raise awareness, support families and improve understanding of this devastating condition.
Cumberland customers will witness the challenge first hand with both our Annan and Dumfries branches hosting indoor bicycles for colleagues to top up their miles during September. Burning Nights merchandise including balloons, posters and leaflets will also be displayed in each location for anyone wishing to learn more. Donations will be gratefully received via the JustGiving page for the event.
Hannah told us, “We thought to ourselves, what if we can raise more awareness so people like Emeli can get diagnosed sooner? Because it’s so uncommon people don’t know about it, so the more people we can make aware of what we’re doing, the better.
“All 27 of us will be involved, whether that’s fundraising, bake sales, getting family and friends to support us, or doing the miles ourselves. It covers so many different aspects that whether you’re able to do the miles or not, it doesn’t really matter.
We’ve gone for a target of roughly £3,000, which works out at just over £100 each.”
If you see our colleagues in branch, or out in your local area pounding out their miles, give them some words of encouragement, or if you can, make a donation.
A JustGiving page has been set-up for anyone wishing to support The Cumberland team, which can be found here.
Further information on Burning Nights can be found on their website.