By Jason Sergis Skiloyannis
An inspiring 10-hour fitness challenge is set to make a real difference for girls in Rwanda. Kari Spence, an East Lothian fitness coach and founder of the charity project Together in Sport – Girls’ Space, has organised the event on Saturday, April 25, which will see 20 women complete a 10-hour workout to fundraise for the cause.
Each hour will feature a different fitness activity, with the aim of raising £12,000 to support the Girls’ Space project, which provides a safe and empowering environment for young women in Rwanda to build confidence and develop practical skills.
Ms Spence, who has had a connection with Rwanda since she was 18, said: "I’ve just come back from Rwanda where we celebrated over 100 girls graduating from our Girls’ Space project, which was incredibly special to be part of.
"Seeing the impact in person and how much confidence these girls are gaining and how their outlook on life is changing really brings home why this work matters so much to me.
"Coming home to East Lothian and to a job I genuinely love, surrounded by such a strong community of women is something I don’t take for granted.
"The fact that so many women are willing to step up and take on this challenge to help us keep this project going means the world to me.
"I’m so thankful to everyone who has donated so far, and to all the local businesses who have sponsored us.
"I can’t wait to see everyone on the day.”
The fundraiser is being supported by a host of mostly female-led businesses, each sponsoring an hour of the challenge.
Katy Wakefield at Move Yoga has donated use of her studio for the event.
Other supporters include Elaine Ramanauskas of The Secret Boutique, Gullane, North Berwick; Emma Cross of The Store; Caroline Tait of Tortue U;, Margo Appleby Facials, North Berwick; Michelle of Michelle Denham Beauty and Skin Clinic, North Berwick; and Penny Lochhead of PMR Leisure, North Berwick, as well as Jamie McLeod and Pat Hanson of The Auld Hoose pub, North Berwick.
Ms Spence runs K-Fitness, where she offers one-to-one coaching, a mum and baby fitness community, and outdoor silent disco fitness classes, all aimed at helping women improve their health and confidence.
The Girls’ Space project in Rwanda is designed to help young women not only gain life skills, but also to develop confidence, independence, and self-worth in a supportive and safe environment.
Celebrations will continue after the challenge with an evening fundraising event at North Berwick Masonic Hall from 7pm.
It is open to the public and will include live music from Dean Jones, a glass of Prosecco on arrival, and a bar open throughout.
Anyone unable to attend can still support the cause through the same Just Giving link.
The team hopes to reach their £12,000 target, which would fund a full year of the Girls’ Space project. East Lothian Courier