Sophie’s Story parents organise ‘Big Bear Hunt’ to thank community after flurry of fundraisers for Inverness family add to nearly £19,000 from GoFundMe
As well as seeing a flurry of fundraising events added to the calendar, the organisers of Sophie’s Story have added an Easter egg hunt with a twist to their schedule to say thank you to the local community.
Parents Keith and Lizzie Mason set up Sophie’s Story after their daughter was diagnosed with Batten Disease late last year.
Family and friends quickly rallied around them, organising challenges like climbing the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland inside 24 hours.
With Keith having been involved in football with clubs like Clachnacuddin, Inverness City and Avoch, there has been a sporty theme to much of the activity so far.
Sophie was the mascot for Clachnacuddin’s Highland League match against Huntly yesterday, and is slated to fill the same role at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County matches before the end of the season.
Former ICT and current Clach defender Josh Meekings has donated his clean sheet bonuses for the remainder of the season to the cause, and striker Scott Davidson has raised £1400 by raffling off a Bournemouth shirt signed by Inverness’ own Ryan Christie.
In the biggest show of support yet though, a legends match is on the calendar for next weekend too, where former players from the Lilywhites and Inverness City will come together to play a match at Canal Park. Kick off is set at 5.30pm on Sunday, February 23.
Even before then, and away from sport, a Taylor Swift Fun Day will take place at Drakies Hall on Tuesday, February 18 between 10am and noon for primary school-aged pupils.
Swim With Kayleigh has organised a baby and child first aid class that will take place at the Nairn Hydrotherapy Pool on Sunday, March 2 between 1pm and 3pm.
A pub quiz at the Chieftain Hotel at the end of March has already sold out, but as well as others organising events to help the Mason clan, the family have been busy themselves.
They will be hosting “Sophie’s Big Bear Hunt” throughout the day on Wednesday, April 16 at Bellfield Park, with an Eventbrite page set up for families to register their child.
Writing on the registration page, the family said: “We are organising ‘Sophie’s Big Bear Hunt’ by way of a thank you to the local community for the amazing support we have received since we posted about Sophie’s condition.
“The support we have received from the local community following Sophie’s diagnosis has been phenomenal – from friends and family to the football community, work colleagues (past and present) and a lot of lovely people who we have never even met!
“So many people have offered to help us in anyway they can, suggesting fundraising ideas, words of support and offering an array of services to our family.
“It has been so heart-warming, so please come and enjoy a fun-filled event from us.”
The main Sophie’s Story GoFundMe is now approaching £19,000 raised, which will go towards the cost of medical treatment and equipment as well as helping the family make memories with little Sophie.
