Parents prepare to take on epic charity walking challenge

The parents of a teenager helped by me&dee are preparing to take on an epic walking challenge in aid of the charity, which helps families facing short and uncertain futures.

Jonny Cooper and Lauren Mabb are set to embark on ‘100 Miles for Memories’, which will see them walk 100 miles around the Anglesey coastline in just four days.

The couple aim to complete the challenge in just four days, setting off on 25 April.

me&dee helps families where a potentially life-limiting and often rare illness is diagnosed by providing everything from private group swimming sessions and unique tailor-made outings for families to support for siblings through craft sessions and a specialist bereavement support group.

Since its start, the charity, which was recently presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, has supported more than 9,000 families.

Among them is Jonny and Lauren’s family – and now, the couple want to give something back.

In a statement, they said: “When we first met the me&dee team three years ago, we had no idea just how much they would change our lives.

“What they’ve given us since then is more than holidays or days out – they’ve given us memories we never thought we’d be able to make as a family.

“Thanks to me&dee, we’ve enjoyed two fully accessible, stress‑free holidays where, for once, everything felt easy.

“We’ve had countless family days out that allowed us to simply enjoy being together, without the usual barriers or worries.

“Every time, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care. They didn’t just support us – they made us feel like part of their family.

“And that’s exactly what they’ve become to us. Now, we want to give something back.”

Jonny and Lauren are now calling on the Bondholder community to back their challenge, either through donations – or sponsoring their branded me&dee hoodies and T-shirts.

They said: “We are busy training at the moment. The walk itself is going to be tough – physically, mentally, and emotionally – but we’re doing it because we want other families to experience the same joy, relief, and togetherness that me&dee has given us.

“Every step we take is for the families who need a break. Every mile is for the memories still waiting to be made.”

For more information about Jonny and Lauren’s challenge click here.

To donate click here.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities e-mail events@meanddee.co.uk.