Lester raises $10,000 to help end MS
Article content
As of Sunday, Nancy Lester of Tillsonburg has raised more than $191,000 for the Canadian MS Society.
“I reached my $10,000 (this year),” said Nancy, who has been raising money to support the Canadian MS Society of Canada for the last 20 years.
“I was diagnosed with MS, 20 years ago, so I decided to fight back.”
Founded in 1948, the MS Society provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families, and funds research to find the cause and cure for the disease.
For Nancy it started with the annual London MS Walk. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was changed to a ‘Virtual MS Walk’ and participants were encouraged to walk at home on treadmills, or in their own neighbourhoods.
Nancy, her husband Larry, and a few family and friends, walked a circular route from the corner of King and Concession Streets to Broadway and back.
“He’s my team, right there,” said Nancy. “And a few of my friends. This is the first time we haven’t walked in London.”
Along the route, many people waved and honked car horns to show their support.
“We also have a few friends who are meeting us – driving by – along the way,” said Larry.
“The challenge this year,” said Nancy, “it was hard to ask people for money, especially businesses to donate. But I was fortunate. I didn’t ask any businesses, but I still raised the $10,000.”
Donations were made to Nancy through e-transfers, the Virtual MS Walk website, and a few dropped off cheques to her home.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated,” said Nancy. “Hopefully some day MS will be cured and I hope I have helped in a small way.”
cabbott@postmedia.com
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.