Young girl takes on 20k challenge for stroke

A young girl from Abergavenny is hoping to raise £100 for the Stroke Association and to raise awareness of the condition after the death of her mother’s friend.

Georgia Grant Crichton, 10, from Llanvihangel Crucorney, has set up her own fundraising event and is aiming to walk 20km in laps around Bailey Park in Abergavenny.

She decided to raise money for charity after her mum was shocked to hear the news that one of her colleague’s had died from a stroke at the age of 45.

Georgia’s mother Dawn said: “It was shocking that someone you know and work with could die so young because you don’t expect it to happen to them.

Dawn and her husband, Scott, said they are proud of their daughter for organising the event on her own.

He said: “Georgia had only met her a few of times so it means that much more that’s she’s decided to organise the event herself. I wouldn’t have even done something like this at ten, so the fact that she has is just wonderful.”

Every lap around the path in Bailey Park is 1km, so Georgia has aimed to do 20 of these. Mr Grant Crichton said she’s determined to do it alone, but her family and friends will be there to support her.

He added: “She was aiming to raise £100 but she’s nearly hit that target already after going into her school, Llanvihangel Crucorney Primary, and speaking to the head teacher. All of her school friends have sponsored her to do the walk.”

Georgia has been training for the walk over the past few weeks, and has gone for walks with family and friends.

She explained: "I hope that my walk will draw attention to stroke and raise lots of money. My mum was upset about the news and it really made me want to make her happy and her friends happy.”

Georgia will be walking round Bailey Park at 11am on Saturday 21 May with donations going to the Stroke Association.