Lauren gets ready to go the extra mile on New Year’s Day in memory of mum Lorraine
Maghaberry woman Lauren Freeburn will be going the extra mile in the New Year to raise vital funds for a cancer charity in memory of her mum Lorraine.
On New Year’s Day Lauren, who is the owner of Life Long Fitness gym in Maghaberry, will be running 5k every hour on the hour for 12 hours, covering a distance of 60km.
The challenge is aimed at raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of mum Lorraine, who sadly passed away on New Year’s Day 2022.
"On January 1, 2022 we lost my beautiful mum Lorraine Freeburn to cancer, she was only 55,” explained Lauren.
"She never got to witness my business up and running so instead I named the business after her, so she will always be apart of it – Life Long Fitness = Lorraine + Lauren Freeburn.”
Lauren decided to take on a running challenge that would use her skills and passion for fitness.
She will be running 5km every hour for 12 hours on New Year’s Day, the fourth anniversary of her mum’s passing.
"I decided I wanted to do something fitness related to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support because we know first hand how much they help families in the darkest of times,” she continued.
"I came up with a challenge that will push me way out of my comfort zone and will be the furthest distance I’ve ever covered.
"Covering a total distance of 60km, each run will start and end at my gym.
"I welcome all support on the day, including runners, if they want to run a few kilometres with me.
"There will be food, tea, coffee and good craic if anyone would like to show support in any way.
“The gym will be open all day for anyone to call back and forth. If I’m not there because I’m doing the runs, my dad, Colin, will be there to greet everyone. He is my biggest supporter in any crazy challenge I tend to set myself.”
Lauren has set up a fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/lauren-freeburn-2 and welcomes any donations.
The fundraising effort has already raised over £1,500 and Lauren is delighted with the support she has received.
“I want to thank every single person who has shown me support with this so far,” she added.