Unsung heroes
Much has been said, quite rightly, about the brave and brilliant work being done throughout the coronavirus crisis by the NHS frontline staff, who are risking their lives to help others.
To that I would also add the other emergency services and key workers on a range of fronts.
But I would also like to give a nod to the unsung heroes who are the Lorn and Oban Healthy Options (LOHO) team.
LOHO, for those who are unaware of them, are exercise professionals who help vulnerable people and those like me with long-term medical conditions. They usually run a variety of classes and exercise sessions from the Atlantis Leisure Centre in Oban, all of which have been suspended for obvious reasons at the moment.
However, the ever-cheerful and effervescent gang have taken their work online with amazing results – almost all the LOHO clients (if that’s the right word) are engaging fantastically well.
The group’s mission statement reads in part: ‘We are leaders in long-term behavioural change, supporting people to lead more active, healthier lives.
‘We work in partnership with health professionals and other community groups. If the problem is in the community, the solution is in the community. ‘We offer our services free of charge whenever necessary; we rely on your generosity to continue.’
For the record, the LOHO team consist of Katie (love your Pilates videos!), April, Ian and Rob, all of whom have nowbeen furloughed apart from Rob.
Furlough notwithstanding, your efforts have been hugely appreciated.