Could you spare an hour on Saturday to take part in a fund-raising challenge – inspired by Nailsworth teenager Amelie Zeal?
Amelie was an outstanding athlete who was just 14 when, in March, she was diagnosed with brain cancer. She died just four months later, aged 15. In August her parents and sister embarked on a 1,200-mile journey to walk from John O’Groats to Lands’ End as a ‘Walking for Amelie’ challenge inspired by her memory.
Now Amelie’s team-mates, friends and family are undertaking their own fundraising challenge holding a ‘Rowing for Amelie’ day on Saturday 8 November – and they’re looking for more volunteers to join them.
Amelie was a keen footballer and a champion rower who achieved gold, silver and bronze medals in the British Rowing Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Inspired by Amelie’s love of adventure, her parents Tara and Matt, her sister Sophia, and their dog Orla – are walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Tara and Matt have alternated walking the route while Sophia is at school, all walking together whenever possible. They’ve walked 600 miles so far, and hope to reach Land’s End in January. Their Walking for Amelie campaign has already raised £18,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice and Abbie’s Army, which funds brain cancer research.
“Amelie was amazing. She was fun, full of life and was a dedicated and outstanding athlete who excelled at competitive rowing and loved her football club,” said Tara.
“We are devastated by her loss, but we’re doing something she would have loved; stepping out and pushing ourselves beyond what we think is possible.”
Amelie’s football club, Rodborough Lionesses, is hosting the event – an 11-hour challenge to row 838 kms.
The club is appealing for more teams of three people to join them for an hour, to take turns to row for blocks of 5 minutes at the event at Stroud Rugby Club.
“Amelie was an excellent, funny, adventurous soul, and we all miss her so much,” said Dom Johnson, her football coach.
“Her family’s achievements – walking and camping in all weathers – have been incredible. So, we’re keen to support them with our own fund-raising challenge. Do come and join us!
“More rowers are needed – and first-time rowers are welcome! Bring a group of friends for an hour and help us to remember Amelie, and support this cause!”
To get involved email, rowrowrowurboat@myyahoo.com. Supporters are also welcome to drop-in on the day, enjoy cake, and cheer on the rowers. To donate to the Walking for Amelie campaign and find out more, visit this link.
https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/9978/walking-for-amelie
