Good mental health worth valuing
A CAMBERLEY estate agency is planning to raise £5,000 throughout this year for a mental health charity after being inspired by their newest team member.
Olly Manning, 19, recently joined Waterfords in Park Street.
The firm was inspired to take on the challenge after hearing of Olly’s daily 5k run in December, where he raised almost £4,000 for Mental Health UK.
The idea was suggested by Waterfords’ lettings manager Matt Blackman, who encouraged the team to make a pledge to improving their fitness and help a mental health charity. He said: “I have always enjoyed challenges and decided to take part in Tough Mudder and Spartan in 2021, as well as supporting a charity at the same time.
“We chose to support Mental Health UK as they do amazing work directly supporting people affected by mental health problems including friends, family and carers.
“Working across the UK, they bring together experts from four national mental health charities to improve understanding and provide vital care.”
Brendan Cox, managing director at Waterfords, said: “It is without a doubt that the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have been challenging for everyone’s mental health. I am delighted that a significant proportion of the Waterfords team are inspired to raise money and awareness for such an important cause by supporting Mental Health UK. It is testament to Waterfords’ core values of going above and beyond to look after not only each other but also our customers. I am incredibly proud of the team.”
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/waterfords-estateagents-2021 to give your support.
A CHARITY in Farnborough is aiming to give every child in the area an opportunity to play sport no matter what their background is.
Shoot Academy was launched by Mark McGowan, an FA level 2 football coach, level 1 goalkeeper coach and pastoral lead for disabled sport in England.
Mr McGowan is a double amputee who was not given the chance to get involved in sport as a child. He now he wants to help others with disabilities to enjoy sports such as football and boxercise in a safe environment.
The 46-year-old from Farnborough, said: “The overall goal is just to give every child an opportunity to participate in sport. Being a double amputee, I was never allowed to play sport so it encouraged me to get young people into sport.
“We deal with children with ADHD, autism, anger management, and it gives them an opportunity to play sport. People in the community can support us by coming down to watch or even volunteering with us.”
Shoot Academy was recently sponsored by Elite Sports Marketing, a company based in Fleet which wants to support Mr McGowan in his mission. He explained how the firm provided £2,000 of funding and gave the children football kits as well as jackets for when it rains.
Michael Jackson, 43, chief executive of Elite Sports Marketing, said: “I thought it is something above and beyond me just putting money into something, this was someone who was finding a place for children so they didn’t feel unwanted.
“I was happy to help and I actually gave double what they asked for so they could get extra stuff.”
Children at Shoot Academy are currently aged between eight and 16 years.
Visit https://www.shootacademy. co.uk/ for more information.