Charity is in good health after funding campaign

Less than three months after launching its ‘5 to 10 and More’ funding campaign, Lorn Healthy Options has smashed its target.

By the official completion date of March 31 a total of £13,189 had been raised through a variety of innovative activities undertaken by Healthy Options staff and clients, £689 more than the original goal of £12,500, with still more to come in.

To date 10 people have complete sponsored events including a (virtual) walk up Ben Nevis, wild swimming for every day in February, a (virtual) walk to Crieff and a variety of thousands of steps a day challenges.

Four people have challenges still open and more pledges for the future, including cycling, a three bridges challenge and fancy dress. One to keep an eye out for is Phill Dexter and Emma Grant’s promise of parading down Oban High Street in fancy dress once certain targets have been met.

Gill Bruce, development manager at Healthy Options, said: ‘We are so proud of all our fundraisers, but special mention must go to the amazing Liz Mason who was involved in a RTA back in 2018.

‘Liz credits Healthy Options as being crucial in her recovery but I reckon her determination was a large part of it.

‘This shone through when she was with HO and more recently when she set herself the challenge of walking 15,000 steps a day for an entire month to raise funds.

‘On the very last day of the campaign, her funding amount reached £2,000, so a huge thank you to her and her family.’

More than 100 people made one-off donations to the campaign, with almost £400 a month coming in on direct debits.

Emma Grant, project manager and fundraiser, said: ‘It’s been great fun to work on the campaign.

‘We pulled together a lovely team of volunteers who are going to continue to help us fundraise after the campaign ends. It was really heart-warming when folk offered to make direct debits of £5 or £10 a month.

‘It felt like even though people were having to watch their budget they were placing a value on the work of the charity and seeing it as an investment in their community.

‘Every little bit counts towards a bigger pot and allows us to inspire more people to live happier and healthier lives.’

Every £540 raised for Healthy Options equals one client inspired and supported to lead a happier and healthier life.

Year on year Healthy Options saves the NHS thousands of pounds in reduced medication and ongoing use of NHS services.

‘If we don’t increase our sustainable income through direct debits, however, then ours will become a story of the past,’ added Gill.

To donate go to https:// localgiving.org/charity/lornand-oban-healthy-options/

For more information or to contact the charity go to www. lornhealthyoptions.co.uk