Joanne’s a step closer to £20k charity target

Joanne, from Clarkston, is leading the way for Team SiMBA — a local group raising cash for the charity of the same name, which provides memory boxes for parents who lose children at birth, as well as the Scottish Kiltwalk children’s charities.

Their fundraising page reads: “Sadly we all know too many angels in the sky, but this charity has been of a great support to friends and family and we felt that we wanted to give back.”

The team have raised almost £14,000 so far by tackling three out of five full 26-mile Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Joanne’s daughter Shauna (12) has also contributed her fair share — and some hair. The Williamwood High pupil appeared in The Extra earlier this year after going for the charity chop, in aid of her mum’s chosen charity and the Little Princess Trust.

Now, Joanne will represent Team SiMBA by travelling to Peru to take on the toughest leg of the journey yet.

She told The Extra: “On September 1, a team of us are heading over for the challenge of a lifetime.

“We get back — hopefully in one piece — on September 12, and I then head to Speyside to complete yet another 26 mile walk on September 14.

“The last and final walk takes place in Dundee on October 5. I’m hopeful that after it I can get a proper holiday with Shauna!”

She added: “I completed all five Kiltwalks last year, but this is the first time I’m doing all five plus a trek challenge, and I’m a wee bit nervous.

“But we’re doing amazing well thus far and have raised 13,678 including Gift Aid — I’m now trying to get this to at least £20,000.”

The East Ren fundraising group are also branching out to online raffles and rag bag collections — to find out more, follow Joanne’s progress or to sponsor Team SiMBA, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Simba2014.