‘Iron lady’ Laura tackles charity trek
A KIND-HEARTED woman will be selling sweet treats and will be taking on an Ironman challenge for a number of good causes.
Laura Whitaker from Offerton, Stockport, will be hosting a cake sale from 2pm on Saturday at the Fingerpost Hotel in Stockport to help raise funds for five charities; Cure Usher and Bury Tandem Club for blind and partially sighted people, Guide Dogs, Sensory sports and social and Katie and Kyle who lost their mum two years ago and need funds to help with their day to day life.
Laura, 40, has Usher syndrome which is a rare genetic disease that affects hearing and vision.
She said: “These charities mean a lot to me since I have Usher Syndrome.
“Most likely they can’t find a cure for someone of my age but maybe there is a chance for a child.
“Bury Tandem Club helped me physically and mentally and got me a guide dog and gave me my life back.
“Guide Dogs and Sensory sports and social give people opportunities and I knew Katie and Kyle’s mum.”
A variety of sweet treats will be on sale from doughnuts to chocolate eclairs and cookies, which have been donated by a number of businesses including Sticky Fingers, Pilkingtons, The Bake House and Wonky Bakery.
There will also be a raffle with prizes up for grabs such as a meal for four, beauty salon vouchers, a 30-minute facial from Amaranth Wellbeing in Bramhall and cake vouchers.
Laura will also be taking part in an Ironman in Wales on September 22 in the hope to raise £6,000 for Cure Usher and Bury Tandem Club.
She will be taking on the challenge of walking 140.6 miles in one day for Cure Usher and Bury Tandem Club.
Laura has been training hard by swimming, cycling and running.
She completed a half Ironman last year but this is her first time to take part in a full Ironman.
Laura says she is nervous but she is excited for the challenge.
Laura was born partially deaf but her family didn’t realise until she was three.
Her diagnosis meant she would eventually lose her eyesight as well, which she has.
Cure Usher Syndrome released a video this month on their YouTube channel titled ‘The Touchable Memory.’
The short clip showcases Laura’s experience with Usher Syndrome and explores her childhood with her sister Hannah to raise awareness about the condition.
To donate to Laura’s fundraiser, visit her Just Giving page titled ‘We’re raising £6,000 to help support Cure Usher and Bury Tandem Club for blind and partially sighted people’.