A GROUP of skaters completed a 10-mile skating challenge along the Weymouth coastline on one of the hottest days of the year to raise money for charity.
Eight skaters took on a 10-mile skateathon through Weymouth on July 17 to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, completing the distance in two hours and 20 minutes.
Cara Donn, an employee at housing association Aster Group, started roller skating during the third national lockdown and enjoyed it so much she co-founded a local club, named the South West Skaters.
She took part in the skateathon alongside her club members to use her new found hobby to raise some money for the cancer charity, which exists to improve the cancer experience of young people aged between 13 and 24 by providing life-changing care and support so young people don’t have to face cancer alone.
The South West Skaters were just one group of thousands across the country that all took on a skating challenge last weekend to raise money for various charities.
Cara said: "When we saw that the Teenage Cancer Trust was encouraging people to skate and raise money, we knew this was the right cause to get involved with."
"We decided to set ourselves the challenge of skating from the Oasis café on one end of Weymouth seafront, all the way down the Esplanade, through town, along the Rodwell Trail, up to the Lidl on Portland Beach Road, and back again.
"It was incredibly hot on the day but we were so proud to complete the challenge.
"We are an inclusive and supportive group that brings people together through their love of skating. We reach each other tips and tricks and help build confidence.
"We have grown into a real community and have found it has been incredible for positive mental health following such a long period of isolation.
The group raised a total of £935 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, £250 of which came from a single donation from Aster Group as part of the housing association's match-funding programme for employees.
Cara's skateathon team is still accepting donations through their Just Giving page. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southwestskaters
For more information on The Teenage Cancer Trust, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org
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