Fife pupil takes on Ashley Cain inspired walk, cycle and kayak Lochore challenge

Evan Penman (11) is taking on the around Lochore Meadows on Monday, July 1 to show his support for Azaylia Foundation. It was founded by former footballer Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee after losing their eight month old Azaylia Diamond Cain to acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2021. The couple said she lit up the world with her beautiful smile, bravery and perseverance, giving people everywhere hope and inspiration.

You can support Evan’s fundraising efforts at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/evans-ayaylia-foundation-fundraiser

Lorelle Penman, Evan’s mum said the chance to raise money for the charity came after a meeting between the Leslie Primary School pupil and Ashley, who is currently embarked on his own Ultraman challenge to run, cycle and kayak between John O’ Groats and Lands End - three times.

Lorelle explained: “My sister had actually gone along to see him when he was doing the running part. I talked to Evan about it and told him that my sister had met him. When we found out he was going to just be in Milnathort on part of the cycle, we went along to meet and got a couple of pictures with him.”

The youngster was able to share his previous experience of raising money for Glenrothes-based charity, Love Oliver, with Ashley, who encouraged him to raise money for the foundation.

Lorelle said: “Evan went away and we chatted about it and he decided that because Ashley is doing the consecutive days, he thought a good way to sort of symbolise that was to do the walk cycle and then kayak at Lochore.”

Lorelle said that the challenge will push Evan out of his comfort zone physically, having never tried kayaking before, but that it shows his determination and kind-hearted nature.

She said: “He’s quite nervous. He’s not the most physical of children, he doesn’t really do many sports or anything, but at the same time he’s a really, really kind hearted boy. Anything like this for charity he is determined and he really likes helping people, so I think he’ll be fine.”