LOCAL charity, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars (KWS), which provides financial support for families where a child has a terminal illness has raised over £111,000 in the past year, exceeding their target of £100,000, as they prepare to host a popular fixture in the Scottish cycling calendar.
The KWS Cycling Sportive returns to the North-east on the 24th September.
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KWS was set up in 2012 by Jonathan and Anna Cordiner after losing their 2-year-old daughter Kayleigh to a terminal brain tumour. When Kayleigh was diagnosed in December 2011, her parents took time off work, vowing to make her last few months as special and memorable as possible.
Teachers, Jonathan and Anna, established the charity to help other families in the same position to make memories with their child, regardless of their circumstances. KWS provides grants to families to fund specialist equipment, family holidays or just to relieve any financial strain and allow parents to take time off work and enjoy precious time with their child.
After a hiatus of three years, the charity have decided to try something new this year.
Having been held on Deeside for the past 7 years, the cycle will now switch to Donside. The start line and event hub will be at the Axis Centre in Newmachar.
Another change for 2022 is that there are four routes of varying length to choose from: two family friendly off-road routes of 11 miles and 16 miles, an open road route of 54 miles and another open road route of 90 miles.
Kayleigh’s Wee Stars CEO, Fiona Heinonen, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming back hundreds of local cyclists of all ages to the Kayleigh’s Wee Stars Sportive! With four different routes to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone from the lycra-clad racers to the families and children. All our cyclists will be able to enjoy the beautiful Donside scenery, although some will have more hills to contend with than others!”
“Everyone taking part will receive a Certificate of Completion – and there are finisher goodies and a medal for the little ones!”
KWS co-founder and Kayleigh’s dad Jonathan Cordiner, said, “We’re very grateful for each and every charitable endeavour and donation that has enabled us to exceed our fundraising target. The support we provide to the families through the charity is only possible with the incredible support we receive from the local community. We are so very proud of our little girl’s legacy. It is very special for the family that as a charity, we are able to continue to support terminally ill children across Scotland in this way.
“The KWS Cycling Sportive is an important date in our fundraising calendar, and we are delighted to welcome it back this year. We are always in awe of the cyclists who take part, sometimes battling through the elements, frequently pushing up some of the area’s toughest climbs, but always doing it with a smile. Their incredible efforts help Team KWS to support children and families when they need us the most. Please sign up if you haven’t already!”
There is no entry fee for the event; the charity just asks for a donation on its fundraising page: KWS Cycle 2022 – JustGiving. Information including route plans, feed station stops and timetables can be found at: KWS Cycle 2022 – Kayleigh’s Wee Stars (kayleighsweestars.co.uk), where you can also register to take part. Kayleigh’s Wee Stars cycle kit will also be available to purchase on the day.
For any further details, please contact: [email protected].
