Mum Kelly takes on trio of challenges in memory of dad
Kelly with dad David - Credit: Submitted
The daughter of a Torquay man is embarking on a trio of charity fund-raising challenges in his memory.
Kelly Lawson lost her much-loved ‘petrolhead’ dad David Meyer to Covid in March.
The mum-of-three is gearing up for a busy spring when she tackles ‘Challenge 62’ to raise funds for the Devon Freewheelers.
Kelly, a 42-year-old accountant, will celebrate her 62-year-old dad’s life by swimming, running and cycling during April and May.
The keen runner has already raised more than £900 of her £1,000 target for the Devon blood bikes charity through her JustGiving page.
Kelly’s Challenge 62 – running and cycling 62 miles and swimming the same number of lengths – will include a run route in the grounds of Cockington country park - a special place which holds happy memories of time spent with her mum and dad.
Kelly, from St Leonards, in Exeter, said: “I know dad will be with me every step of the way and will be proud.”
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Mr Meyer lived in Chelston and Kelly said: “He was a bit of a petrolhead and he loved bikes, that’s why I wanted to help the Devon Freewheelers. They have done an amazing job during the pandemic, and they are all volunteers.”
She added: “I just wanted to put my energy and focus into something positive.
“Running one of the routes is going to be hard and quite emotional. I want to finish at Cockington. I used to meet mum and dad at the cafe there. It means something to me, and mum can be at the finish line.”
Daniel Roe-Lavery, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “I am in awe of Kelly and her challenge to celebrate the life of her dad.”
Kelly and husband CraIg - Credit: Submitted
Kelly, who began running as a hobby around six years ago, boosted her original plan to jog 62 miles over three days, by including swimming and cycling as a nod to the interests of her husband, Craig, and their 22-year-old son, Owen.
Cyclist Craig will accompany Kelly when she tackles the 62-mile bike ride, while swimming teacher Owen will support his mum when she swims lengths of a pool.
Members of Kelly’s running group, Exeter-based Greenbow Running Club – including Devon Freewheelers volunteer Darren Thomas - and Craig’s cycling friends plan to accompany her if Covid lockdown restrictions allow.
You can donate to Kelly’s Challenge 62 through her JustGiving page.
