Chris Evans donates £4000 to Highland girl's fundraiser for Macmillan
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Isla Easto cycled across the widest part of Scotland last week in hopes of raising £4000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of her grandad Kenneth Easto, 78, who died of lymphoma at the end of March.
She guested on the Virgin Radio breakfast show on Wednesday, and by then her JustGiving page had hit more than £11,000 and the teen told Chris of her hopes that it might reach £15,000.
She was utterly shocked when the former presenter of top 90s shows the Big Breakfast and TFIF pledged £4000 live on air.
Isla, from Newtonmore, said: “I wanted to do something to honour my grandad’s memory and to thank Macmillan for all the help they gave him and my family at a very difficult time.
“The challenge was tough and there were points when I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep going but getting to the finish line was such an amazing feeling.
“I couldn’t believe it when I realised how much money people had donated in sponsorship. When I saw it had reached £11,000 I thought it would be amazing to get it to £15,000. I didn’t expect for a minute that Chris Evans would donate £4000.
“Being on national radio was such a surreal experience, but I’m just so grateful to Chris and to everyone who donated.”
Isla set off on her challenge on Wednesday August 5 from Fort William, accompanied by her dad Paul, with mum Susie and younger brother Euan spurring them on in the support vehicle.
She finished on Saturday in Cruden Bay, having covered 400km and climbed elevation equivalent to the height of Mont Blanc (4800m)
Dad Paul Easto, a triathlete, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Isla. She’s just amazing. The care from Macmillan that my dad received was just phenomenal. When Isla suggested doing this challenge in her Grandad’s memory, we just knew it was the right thing to do.
“I do triathlons and Isla has always enjoyed cycling, but covering 400km is a big challenge. As always Isla tackled it with energy and enthusiasm, even when it came to the steep hills.
“We were all surprised at how much money she’d raised and were shocked when Chris said he’d donate another £4000 to her. We’re all so proud of her and I know my dad would be too.”
Angela McCormack, Macmillan area fundraising manager in Scotland said: “We can’t thank Isla and her family enough. It’s rare for someone so young to take on such a difficult fundraising challenge.
“The donation from Chris Evans just shows how inspiring her story is. We’re so grateful to Chris and to everyone who sponsored Isla.
“We’re glad Macmillan was there for her grandad when he needed us. It’s a wonderful tribute to him to raise money to help us be there for more people with cancer.
“Isla’s fundraising is even more appreciated as due to the Coronavirus we’re facing a big drop in income, so her amazing efforts couldn’t come at a more vital time.”
