25-year-old completes 100 laps of Hollingworth Lake for Heywood care home

Ashleigh Bowles from Milnrow has raised £300 for a care home in Heywood after completing 100 laps around Hollingworth Lake.

Inspired by the Captain Tom 100 challenge which was set up by the late veteran’s family, Ashleigh presented the £300 cash to Tudor Court on 28 June.

An assisted living facility in Heywood, Tudor Court holds a special place in Ashleigh’s heart as it is where her great nana ‘spent her last days’.

“My great nana Hilda should have reached 100 in August 2020 but sadly passed away in May 2020,” said Ashleigh.

“I lost three very important people in my life in 2020: my great nana on 2 May, my nana on 31 May and my dad on 20 November.

“I therefore decided to do a fundraiser to raise money for Tudor Court where my great nana spent her last days. I am a self-employed keyworker, and I am always wanting to give back to the community.”

 

 

Launched on the anniversary of his historic walk, the Captain Tom 100 challenge was set up by the late veteran’s family in his honour. It encouraged the public to dream up a challenge based around the number 100 and do it at anytime and anywhere over the captain’s birthday weekend – starting on Friday 30 April through to Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2021.

Ashleigh put her own spin on the challenge by aiming to complete 100 laps of Littleborough’s Hollingworth Lake in 30 days, starting on Sir Tom's birthday on 30 April this year.

She completed the 100 laps – over 200 miles – on Thursday 17 June.

Ashleigh continued: “I had both my nanas' anniversaries off and a few Sundays within the month of May, so sometimes I did 3/4 laps.

“It has been a very hard year for my family. This has been a great way to take my mind off the grief, help me lose weight, and raise money for an amazing cause.

“I even suffered with shin splints but made sure the laps were ticked off. I had a few motivators help me get through the pain barrier.

“There's been rain, hail, thunder, lighting, and sunshine, but I've walked through it.

“I am truly grateful for all the donations.

“Tudor Court were delighted with the money raised and said it would be a massive help for some improvements they want to make.”

Dolly's Cakes also donated cupcakes for all the staff at Tudor Court.