Caz White prepares for her Grimsby to Hull skate.
STAUNCH supporter and former CatZero participant Caz White is taking on an unusual fundraising challenge for the organisation as she prepares to roller skate from Grimsby to Hull in less than 12 hours.
With a support team in place, Caz (26) will be leaving Grimsby early on Wednesday morning to skate her way across the Humber Bridge, arriving at the CatZero office on Hull Marina by mid afternoon.
Caz said: “I came up with the idea last June. I was walking under the Humber Bridge with my brother and I was telling him all the ways I had gone over the bridge; walking, cycling, running. He asked me if I had ever roller skated, which I hadn’t, and so the idea was put into my head!
“I decided it would be a great idea to do a fundraising challenge for CatZero as I love the organisation and everything they do.”
Before she went to CatZero as a participant, Caz said that she was afraid of everything. “I thought I was a nobody,” she commented. “I started doing a course in 2018 and my confidence grew so much. Eventually, the team made me feel like a somebody and now I can’t get out and about enough. I am always busy, coming up with new ideas, meeting people and wanting to try new things. I have a different life thanks to CatZero and the roller skate is another chance to give something back.”
Caz also drew attention in late 2020 as she began turning empty crisp packets into warm blankets for the homeless, something that needed the help of 10 volunteers. Thousands of crisp packets were donated to drop-off points in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham and many of the people who received the unique blankets said they were the warmest thing they had ever had.
Now, as she continues to practise for the new challenge, Caz says that she has clocked up 21 miles in one session but hasn’t yet done the 31.7 miles she needs to skate to reach Hull Marina. The day of the challenge will be her first attempt!
“I was pleased that after 21 miles my legs seemed happy enough to keep going, so I am not worried,” she said. “I have ankle straps, blister pads, other medical bits, food and drink – everything I need.”
After all of the miles she’s clocked up on her trusty ‘Pro Dallas’ skates, it’s quite miraculous that she has never needed any new wheels! Perhaps some ‘wheelie’ good replacements will be on the cards once she has worn them down after this unusual and exciting challenge?
The mantra at the organisation is ‘Once CatZero, Always CatZero’ and Caz White is certainly a good example of someone utilising that continuous support. She never misses an opportunity to fly the flag for the team and numerous courses, which are available across the Humber region. Programmes, including Veterans and Full Families programmes, seek to meet the specific needs of participants by breaking down barriers, building confidence and helping families who have reached crisis point. For more about CatZero programmes, click here.
Keep an eye out for Caz on Wednesday, July 7, as she skates her way into the CatZero history book. To sponsor the intrepid fundraiser, visit www.uk.