Brave Lauren's ride raises £3k for Meningitis Trust

Lauren Booth is the 10-year old girl we featured in this story who survived meningitis as a baby and has conquered the resulting disabilities to become a leading competitive rider in her age group.

To celebrate her 10th birthday and to thank the Meningitis Trust which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and which has supported her since ever since contracted the disease when just six weeks old, Lauren has completed a 25 mile ride sponsored ride.

Lauren’s mum Lisajayne takes up the story:

“Wednesday 29th June was an amazing day. Lauren was up at the crack of dawn ready to ride the 25 miles from Chippenham to the Head office of the Meningitis Trust in Stroud. The wet weather that was forecast thankfully held off and at 10 o'clock we set off on the ride, which was Lauren's way of both raising awareness of the disease which so very nearly cost her life and also to thank them for their support in the past 10 years.

“To see Lauren riding so well along the route was amazing to watch but also a very emotional time for me, thinking back 10 years ago when doctors had told us that she may not walk, talk or have any quality of life. Having fought to survive I knew that Lauren was a fighter and to see her cycling confidently along the route was so rewarding for her commitment and determination to overcome the disabilities she has been left with.

“The route took in some 'hilly' challenges but it was great to see her beating us all to the top. The hill outside the head office of the Meningitis Trust caught some of us out, but Lauren sprinted to the top and rode through the finish tape to cheers from the awaiting crowd of supporters.

“In the week before her ride Lauren received a surprise; a signed jersey arrived in the post from the GB para-cycling team together with a signed photo from Sir Chris Hoy (Lauren's hero!).

“I am extremely proud of how hard Lauren trained to take on her challenge and am pleased to tell you that, to date she has raised over £3000.”

And it seems that Lauren’s dedication has paid off in other ways. Lisajayne tells us that Laura won the under-10 years girls' race at the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling on Friday. Well done Lauren!

You can still contribute to Lauren’s fundraising efforts via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LaurenBooth-triketobike