Blackpool teachers smash fundraising target for Young Minds

Staff have raised £1,085 and are still counting, having exceeded a 500-mile target between them during the Easter holidays.

It all started when teacher Sarah Mackay suggested a charity run, in part to bring her running mojo back having tripped off the treadmill, but mainly to raise money for the charity which supports the mental health of young people.

Sarah said: “After lots of interest and discussions the idea came about to run, walk or cycle a cumulative 500 miles during the first week of the Easter holidays to raise money for Young Minds.

“The reason for this was because I was aware that our kids’ mental health must have been suffering during lockdown.

“I had also heard a song written by my friend Jimmy Love called ‘Hold on my Friends’ which expressed anxieties due to the lockdowns and highlighted the fact that we are nearly at the end of all of this. I decided that I’d like to record the song with Aspire singers and link it to the fundraising. The video, filmed and edited by the fantastic Richard Moore, will feature on this years Blackpool Music Service DVD.”

Little did Sarah know, however, that Team Apsire, which included 35 members of staff, would absolutely smash the targets. After much hard work they have run, walked and cycled 959.8 miles in a week.

Sarah added: “Who knew that my fall off the treadmill could create so much enthusiasm! Some things were just meant to be.

“I am so, so proud of everyone who has taken part and donated money to the cause.”

To donate log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamaspire500