Newark-based Children’s Bereavement Centre thanks lockdown legends

Lockdown legends have been thanked for their support by the Children’s Bereavement Centre.

The Newark-based charity said many people had come up with imaginative ideas to raise money after the coronavirus lockdown and social distancing led to more usual fundraisers being cancelled.

Rachel Wilson, the centre’s fundraising manager, said: “Words cannot express how much we appreciate, not only what our Lockdown Legends have done to raise money for us, but also to all of the people that sponsored them. Particularly as we appreciate that financial support is difficult for so many people at the moment.

“These are such difficult times for everyone. People are worried about the health of their loved ones, are missing their families and friends, are trying to home school their children and have concerns about their own jobs, finances and the future in general, yet despite all of this they have still found the desire and time to do something to support us.

“They are all superheroes, thank you so much.”

Joanne Lee, who works at The Barcode Warehouse, raised more than £2,000 by cycling 312km in her garage.

She had been due to take part in a 312km cycling challenge around Mallorca on April 25, but it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

“I decided to complete 312km in one 12-hour shift in the Zwift world of Watopia in my garage,” said Joanne.

“It was a tough day, but I felt such a sense of satisfaction when I achieved my goal and I was genuinely overwhelmed by how many people supported me and the amount of money I was able to raise.”

Sam Hill covered 100km by running and cycling over a two-week period, raising more than £500.

He said: “My mum is a play therapist who used to volunteer at the Children’s Bereavement Centre, so I decided to raise some money for them. I enjoyed doing it, but it was very tiring. It was the best feeling to finish and see how much money had been raised.”

Ben Kirk was going to run the Newark Half-marathon and when it was cancelled, he decided to run his own race near his home instead, while Craig Twiner took on the challenge of the Big Chop, shaving his head and beard.

In addition, many families joined in the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in April raising £717.

Even companies with staff working remotely managed to get involved.

Vodafone Newark encouraged staff to join in the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at home and have also had staff members record their daily steps and collectively just completed a Walk Around The World, covering 67,972,559 steps.

Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra and the Nottingham Wind Ensemble members came together for a lockdown performance of Tomlinson’s Second Suite of English Folk-Dances Movement 1.

The members individually recorded the piece in their own homes, and it was then merged.

Anyone wanting to raise money for the Chidren’s Bereavement Centre can contact Rachel on rachel@childrens bereavementcentre.co.uk