Two running buddies who are preparing to run the London Marathon in April 2025 to raise money for two causes close to them, have set up a Prosecco Day to kickstart their fundraising drive.
Donna Richardson and Julie Laing met and formed a friendship as members of Moray Road Runners, and have set their sights on raising £4300 for Parkinson’s UK and the Meningitis Research Fund.
As Julie approached the age of 50, she wanted to mark it by running the famous marathon, and asked Donna to join her.
The pair got their heads together, signed up for the event, and are now holding a Prosecco Day at The Mansefield Hotel in Elgin to get the fundraising drive off the blocks.
Parkinson’s
Donna explained: “Julie suggested running the London Marathon to mark her 50th birthday and I (initially reluctantly) agreed. Around the same time, my Dad, who is 65, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I read a bit about the work Parkinson’s UK do and thought it would be a great charity to run for. I submitted an application and was lucky enough to be selected. Since mentioning Parkinsons on my social media pages, so many people have reached out to tell me the charity is close to their heart.
Julie added: “My husband, Ben, was diagnosed with viral meningitis in August 2022. Initially he was misdiagnosed and sent home. The Meningitis Research Fund aims to raise more awareness of the illness by highlighting all possible symptoms to public and health professionals for faster detection. Although Ben has made a good recovery he hasn’t made a full recovery and there can be acquired Brain Injury (ABI) which, thankfully for Ben is quite mild, but is present nonetheless.
Julie runs Grampian Coffee House inside Grampian Furnishers and Donna is a freelance copywriter.
Julie said: “The charities have quite high fundraising targets for participants so doing social fundraisers seemed like a good idea to get the ball rolling.
“I’ve chosen to follow a marathon plan with the company Runna. Its a personalised plan developed around your schedule and training needs. I have also started strength training with a PT.”
Support
Donna said she’s had great support from Moray Road Runners, her friends and family, and of course, her running buddy: “I run with Moray Road Runners a couple of times a week and do a longer run on a Saturday, usually finishing by running Elgin Park Run.
“I have only been running for a couple of years and I’m much slower than most, but the club is incredibly supportive and nurturing. I also do a weekly strength training session and will be increasing those sessions along with my miles as training continues.
“The great thing about having a running buddy or being in a club is it makes you get out there even when the weather is bad or you’re not feeling 100%. Once I’ve committed to running with someone else, I’m less likely to back out!
“My family and friends, especially my partner Iain and kids Hunter and Juliet have been incredibly supportive. I have received generous sponsorship, donation of raffle prizes and kind words of encouragement from many. The Mansefield will give a portion of the Prosecco Day ticket price to our charities and their regular DJ Pele will run games on the day to help raise more funds.”
Donna’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/donna-richardson-london-marathon-parkinsonsuk?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fdonna-richardson-london-marathon-parkinsonsuk&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
Julie’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/julie-laing-1721064712230?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjulie-laing-1721064712230&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
The Prosecco Day will be held on 9 November at the Mansfield Hotel in Elgin. You can call 07483 227249 to book a place. See event details