Charity Fitness fundraiser in Newcastle-under-Lyme

New events have been added to a month-long fitness fundraiser in aid of a small charity which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable families in North Staffordshire.

A disco dance marathon and two charity swims are now taking place at Jubilee2 to complement daily walking and exercise challenges that residents, Council staff and councillors are being encouraged to complete at home, their favourite park or preferred walking place during May.

Borough Mayor John Cooper is appealing for people to throw their support behind the campaign as he’s hoping to raise £500 for the Newcastle-based Alice Charity despite his unprecedented term in office drawing to a close.

The dance marathon takes place on Friday, 21 May from 6.30pm until 8pm and the two- hour swim sessions run on Saturday, 22 May at 2.30pm and 5pm. Admission costs £5 and spaces must be pre-booked by contacting Jubilee2 on 01782 616606.

The Mayor said: “The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. For me it’s meant that I’ve had less time as Mayor this time around and I’ve obviously been unable to organise many fundraising events and activities in aid of my nominated charity. Even though this was unavoidable, it’s also frustrating as Alice, like many other charities, has needed financial support more than ever before.
“It’s important to support a smaller charity like this. The number of people accessing Alice’s excellent services in the past year or so has increased dramatically but at the same time their income has drastically reduced. For example, demand for the People’s Pantry – which provides a three-day emergency supply of food, baby products and toiletries – has tripled during the pandemic.

“My time as Mayor is almost over and I want to raise as much money as I possibly can for this wonderful charity, especially as it was a local cause close to the Mayoress’s heart before she passed away recently. I hope that people will support my campaign and make it a success. I thought the challenges would be a good idea because it will encourage us all to get more active at a time when many have spent a long time working from home.”

Steph Talbot, CEO of the Alice Charity, added: “The support of the Mayor is so very much appreciated at this very difficult time for so many local people. The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected local socially disadvantaged families so all money raised by the challenges will be used to provide support to these families. We can’t thank Cllr Cooper enough for his support.”

People can take part in one or all of the remaining walking and exercise activities.
Donations for these can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Mayorsfitnesschallenges