Inspiring COWS tackle Amashova
St Mary's pupil will be racing in the Amashova to race funds for CHOC.
LAUREN Varty, a Grade 10 pupil of St Mary’s DSG, will be cycling 65km race at the Amashova Durban Classic on Sunday 13 October in order to raise awareness and funds for CHOC, The Childhood Cancer Foundation.
The inspirational pupil started her fundraising efforts in 2010, when she raced the Cape Argus on behalf of the Jess Foord Foundation.
“My mum told me and my sister that when we turn 13 we can start racing with her. She wants us to have those experiences. We managed to raise R2 000 for the Jess Foord Foundation during the Cape Argus race. It was a mind blowing and humbling experience,” said Varty.
In 2010 the Varty duo also raced in the Tour Durban, the Amashova Durban Classic and the 94.7 Cycle Challenge to raise funds for the Pink Drive, and in honour of her aunt, who passed away after battling breast cancer. During those races, the duo managed to raise approximately R12 000 for the Pink Drive.
Varty tackled her first solo fundraising race in 2011 when she raced in the 1000 Miles of Nowhere in support of COWS.
The COWS is a fundraising arm of CHOC. Kerrin and Grant Baines founded the fundraiser after their young toddler, Jessica, passed away as a result of cancer in 2008. It was their passion to make a difference that inspired the 1st Johannesburg herd of 8 cyclists to ride the 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
Through the endeavours of individuals who challenge themselves to do more, the COWS have raised in excess of R15 million since 2008. All of these funds have been channelled to CHOC for various projects. COW members compete in cycling races dressed in cow costumes to raise funds for CHOC.
On the 5 September, the Durban COW herd was officially launched at the Kloof Country Club. The Durban COW herd is urging more people who want to be the difference in lives of young cancer patients to join their initiative.
Varty is officially the youngest member to ride in the COW herd and to raise funds on behalf of CHOC. On Thursday 3 October she told her fellow St Mary’s pupils about her journey and her fundraising efforts and urged them to join the COW’s initiative. After her speech her fellow pupils gave her a standing ovation.
“Some people might think that it’s insane, but I will never stop raising funds and awareness. All I want to do is make a difference in the lives of those who need it,” said Varty.
“Lauren is amazing. We are proud to be associated with her and the rest of the COW herd, and we thank them for their fundraising efforts,” said Agie Govender, divisional manager for CHOC KwaZulu-Natal.
