A popular Glasgow artist is set to run their first-ever marathon in honour of their grandmother.
Chelsea Frew is known around the city for their eye-catching murals and colourful paintings.
Both as a member of the mural collective Cobolt and independently, Chelsea’s illustrations make up some of Glasgow’s favourite public artworks, like the Shuggie Bain mural at the Barras and the massive Liz Lochead-inspired mural in the city centre.
Now, Chelsea will take on the fantastic fundraising challenge of running the London Marathon on April 23 to raise money for Alzheimer’s Scotland after their grandmother was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.
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Chelsea said: “I’m raising money for Alzheimer’s Scotland because it’s a charity close to me and has helped my family a lot.
“My gran has Alzheimer’s and it’s horrible, not just for the person with Alzheimer’s but the whole family going through the experience of it as well.”
Chelsea commends the work that the charity does as a “lifeline” for families in the same situation as theirs and is excited about undertaking the “Marathon for Memory” challenge.
Some of Glasgow’s best-known artists and small businesses have rallied behind Chelsea, helping to put together an impressive roster of raffle prizes to help with the fundraising efforts.
Raffle prizes include original artwork, ceramics, event tickets, a VIP table at Bongo’s Bingo, a voucher worth £75 for Curlach hair salon, and more.
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Chelsea said: “There are 17 prizes. Everyone has been incredibly generous. The prizes are from really well-known Scottish artists that have donated prints and original artworks.
“There are also haircuts from Curlach, there’s a £40 voucher for The 78. SWG3 has donated a table to the infamous Bongo’s Bingo with prosecco, and event tickets for Rum Shack.
“People I’ve known around Glasgow have really got behind me to help me hopefully raise all the money that we need for the marathon.”
Some of Chelsea’s work is up for grabs as well, including a cap and an original painting.
Jonathan Mitchell, head of stakeholder engagement at Alzheimer's Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have the support from Chelsea and are in awe of their incredible fundraising challenge in running the London Marathon.
“There are more than 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with a diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer Scotland exists to make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“We are only able to do that thanks to dedicated fundraisers like Chelsea and we are truly grateful for their support.”
To enter the raffle for £5, click here. To find out more about the prizes, click here.
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