Stornoway charity forced to postpone fundraisers but still here to help

The Stornoway-based charity is currently working hard to continue assisting those who are classed as extremely vulnerable to severe illness from infection with Covid-19.

All fundraising events for the charity including the Point 5k/10k and Tiumpan 20/20 Challenge have now been postponed and all Leanne Fund service users are self-isolating at home for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Chrisetta Mitchell, development manager of The Leanne Fund, says the charity are seeing an increasing number of requests for sport and fitness equipment for home use.

She said: “Individuals affected by CF are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity and exercise to help improve physical function, cardiovascular performance and muscle strength.

“While they are no longer permitted to go out or attend the gym or sports classes we have seen a marked increase in the number of requests for sport and fitness equipment for home use.

“This is available through our Get Active service and we have recently supported individuals with treadmills, weight benches, trampolines and exercise bikes.

“Suppliers are experiencing an unprecedented demand, but so far we have managed to fulfil requests which means individuals can maintain their fitness and importantly their lung function while they are having to remain indoors.”

Chrisetta added that maintaining mental health is also hugely important particularly in the current situation and The Leanne Fund is also striving to offer support services.

She said: “If you have Cystic Fibrosis and are self-isolating or social distancing because of coronavirus, it’s important to look after your mental health.

“It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated or bored, but if you’re worried about the effect it will have on your mental health, you are not alone – we are here to help!

“As key Cystic Fibrosis staff may be redeployed to provide support in other areas during the Covid-19 crisis, individuals and families are urged to contact The Leanne Fund directly if they require to access any of our support services.

“Our professional registered mindfulness coaches/counsellors are at the end of the phone or available via Skype/Zoom. Please get in touch with us on 01851 702020 or via email at [email protected].”

As a charity which relies entirely on fundraising and donations, Chrisetta added: “We are so grateful to those who have given so generously to allow us to be able to provide this support during this time of crisis.

“The Leanne Fund relies entirely on fundraising and donations to fund our vital support services and anyone wishing to give somehting towards our work can do so by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1018656.”

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