10km Yorkshire Tough Mudder completed in memory of Eleanor Haigh
- Tough Mudder completed on Sunday 30 July in Skipton
- Challenge completed in memory of Eleanor Haigh
- Money raised going to Encephalitis Society
Teamwork shone through in memory of Eleanor Haigh as Team El worked together and pushed each other in the 10km Tough Mudder on Sunday 30 July 2023, raising money for Encephalitis Society in order to spread awareness of the infection.
On Friday 2 September 2022, our close friend and colleague Eleanor Haigh sadly lost her fight with Encephalitis, so for the last six months nine of us have been working and training for Yorkshire’s 10km Tough Mudder in order to raise money for the horrible infection that took our friend.
El fought on for longer than initially anticipated having first fallen ill on Sunday 28 August, allowing time for her incredible parents, loved ones, close friends and colleagues to say goodbye and pay their respects – doing what she could to comfort others, even if unconsciously, until her final moments.
Therefore, we wanted to do something that would challenge us and put us out of our comfort zone, but also something that would make us work as a team – in keeping with El’s incredible spirit and determination. We know she was with us every step of the way.
With online donations, gift aid and cash donations, we have so far raised over £8,000 – thanks to the generosity of our friends and family, as well as the generosity of everyone who loved El!
10km of teeth gritting and struggle alongside the 23 obstacles we had to overcome would not have been possible without teamwork and togetherness.
Ellie Wright, one of El’s friends and participant in the Tough Mudder event, commented:
“I am incredible proud of the whole team! We worked together to help each other get over various obstacles as well as helping other groups along the way.
“At the start, Thomas Gomersall said, ‘whatever happens we do this for El’ and that stuck with me throughout.
“A special thank you to all of our family and friends, especially to El’s parents, who came to support us on the day, cheering us on. I wish we didn’t have to do it without El, but we know she was looking down on us, more than likely laughing for four hours!
“The money we have raised so far is overwhelming and we can’t thank everyone enough for the donations; this money is going to make such a difference to a cause that will now forever be close to our hearts.”
In our group of friends, Encephalitis was not something we had heard of, and we want this to change to help as many people as possible, which is why we took this challenge to raise money for the Encephalitis Society in their mission to increase global awareness of Encephalitis, saving lives and building better futures.
Worldwide, a person is diagnosed with Encephalitis (brain inflammation) every minute. Caused by infection or autoimmune diseases, encephalitis strikes children and adults alike with no respect for gender or ethnicity. It is an acutely serious condition with high morality rates, leaving many who survive with an acquired brain injury which will affect their memory, thinking and personality for the rest of their lives.
To find out more about Encephalitis and the Encephalitis Society by CLICKING HERE.
Our JustGiving page is still open. If you are able to, you can donate via THIS LINK.
