A Bridlington mum-of-four is undertaking the challenge of fifty consecutive two-hour walks to raise funds for a charity that helped her with a grant which enabled her to attend university.
Kirsty Young was a past winner of the Helena Kennedy Foundation mentorship, which included financial support and guidance throughout her university course.
Now, having succeeded in her studies at university, Kirsty had decided to help others by trying to smash through her target of £500 to part-fund another deserving student.
“Student winners all come from financially challenged backgrounds, and as well as overcoming significant challenges such as leaving care, fleeing violence or having significant health or learning needs.” said Kirsty.
During April Kirsty will begin the first of her fifty walks, each lasting two hours – and all on consecutive days. These will be undertaken after her day job as a Learning Support Advisor at East Riding College.
Despite having to isolate due COVID-19, Kirsty will be undertaking the first few days of her walk around her garden.
“The charity changed my life. I was nominated by my Guidance Officer at East Riding College – Michaela Blackford – and thanks to her help receiving the award allowed me to go to university. Their mentor support was very helpful and important and the award meant I could pay for travel, books and also childcare.”explained Kirsty.
She added: “The Helena Kennedy Foundation is a small organisation who provide a grant of £2250 for selected students. These students come from a background where they have financial difficulties. For example my challenges were at the time being a single teenage mum of three. I had fled domestic violence and suffered mental health illnesses and had faced homelessness with my children.”
“Student winners all come from colleges and with the ongoing pandemic the award and grant will mean even more and I hope I can raise awareness of the foundation and contribute towards a grant for another deserving candidate.” said Kirsty.
To help Kirsty along, Pineapple Joe’s have generously donated branded jackets for the walk. Bee Sweet have kindly given a large tub of sweets to raffle off and will be donating a percentage from sales. New business Craftee_Monkee handstamping have also donated some of their products for the raffle.
If you would like to sponsor Kirsty:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=KirstyYoung17&pageUrl=1
