Brave family win award for Carla fundraising
AFAMILY who threw themselves into fundraising after their daughter’s tragic death have been hailed a ‘fundraising force to be reckoned with’.
Carla Rankin was 27 when she drowned after having an epileptic fit at her home in Prestbury in August 2014.
Since then her family and friends, including mum Denise, dad Ian and sister Felicity, set up Team Carla and have pledged to raise £1m for Epilepsy Action.
Their dedication and determination – which has so far raised more than £120,000 – has earned them a volunteer award for outstanding fundraising to help people with epilepsy.
Accepting the award, Denise said: “We’re really touched to receive this award. Carla has had an incredible impact on everyone who knew her and we keep her with us by fundraising for Epilepsy Action.
“Organising these events has also brought together all the people that were touched by Carla’s kindness, and it’s her kindness that inspires us to keep going.”
Team Carla includes her friends from all over the country, who have taken on a huge range of fundraising challenges, including the Manchester 10k, Tough Mudder, the London Marathon and the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon.
In 2016 they organised a ‘One in a Million’ charity ball and raised over £22,800 in just one night, and their second ball, held in February this year, raised more than £57,000.
Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, presented the award.
He said: “We’re delighted to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Rankin family and Team Carla at this year’s Epilepsy Action Volunteer Awards. They are a fundraising force to be reckoned with. This award is a fitting and deserved tribute to their continued dedication and success.
“These awards reflect the wonderful efforts of the recipients and mark our appreciation for the tremendous work that all our volunteers undertake. At Epilepsy Action much of our achievements come about because of the support of our fantastic volunteers. Those recognised with the awards have played a very special role in helping us to improve the lives of the 600,000 people with epilepsy across the UK.”