Leeds couple David and Tina Coulthard will be taking part in this weekend’s gruelling ‘Lakeland 100’ challenge to raise funds for The Donkey Sanctuary's Leeds centre that provides donkey riding therapy for children with special needs and disabilities.
Both David and Tina work at Crossgates Shopping Centre which has again nominated The Donkey Sanctuary’s assisted therapy centre in Leeds as its charity of the year. The Lakeland 100 covers 105 miles of rough terrain across the Lake District and will be the couple’s second ultra-marathon after their experience at last years’ Lakeland 50.
David Coulthard says: “We’ve been training hard for the start on Friday evening ready to tackle the enormous challenge of completing 105 miles in 40 hours. Tina and I completed the tough Lakeland 50 last year and it was the thought of the donkeys and all the fantastic work they do at the centre that kept us both going. This year is an even bigger challenge but we know that the funds raised will be going to an amazing cause.”
Cathryn Williams, manager of the Leeds centre says: “We’ll be supporting David and Tina every step of the way on the big day. The Lakeland 100 is billed as one the greatest ultra running and walking challenges in Europe so we’re thrilled that they’ve signed up for this and will be rooting for them.”
To donate support to David and Tina’s Lakeland 100 challenge, sponsorship forms are available at Crossgates Shopping Centre or contact the donkey assisted therapy centre in Leeds on 0113 2619249.
The Donkey Sanctuary has been providing riding therapy with donkeys to children from Leeds and the surrounding area since 1999. Around 180 local children with special needs and disabilities visit the centre each week for therapeutic riding sessions. The charity also provides outreach visits with donkeys to residents of nursing homes, hospices and care homes.
The Donkey Sanctuary provides donkey therapy services free of charge and is entirely dependent on fundraising and donations to continue its work. For more information about donkey assisted therapy visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ridingtherapy