Chester charity launches workout challenge to help get support after fundraising crisis

Chester-based charity Children Today is asking people to take on some ‘Changing Lives Challenges’ to help them continue to change young lives in need after the Coronavirus has negatively impacted the charity’s fundraising income.

Children Today provides grants for vital equipment for children and young people with disabilities including p-pod chairs, adapted car seats, adapted trikes and more. This equipment helps these children feel less isolated, have more independence and enjoy the best possible quality of life, yet can be costly.

Founder of Children Today Hugh McCaw comments: “As we are all undergoing social distancing or self-isolation we are realising how hard it is to stay indoors constantly. However, many families with a child or young person with a disability already face isolation, not because of Coronavirus but because they can’t access the right equipment to help them.

“This equipment, like adapted trikes or a specialised car seat, allows a child to enjoy activities or a lifestyle they may never get to otherwise. An experience like being able to enjoy a bike ride with your family for the first time can be life-changing yet is something many of us possibly take for granted. 

“As our charity doesn’t receive any funding from the Government or NHS we are entirely reliant on voluntary donations and fundraising events to continue to provide support for families in need. Sadly, our fundraising activities have been heavily hit by the Coronavirus as we’ve had to postpone a number of events so our ‘Changing Lives Challenges’ are a way people can take part in a simple fundraising challenge from the comfort of their own home.”

The first fundraising challenge is a short ‘Workout from Home’ routine that can be done easily at home, either inside or outside and can be adapted for different abilities.

To take part participants just need to challenge themselves to complete the short workout routine, specially designed by Pilates instructor Jasmine Orr, daily for two weeks. The workout should only take around 10-15 minutes to complete, so can be fitted into your daily routine and uses items that can be found around the home.

Challenge participants are advised to go at their own pace with the different exercises according to their fitness level and ability. There are also options on suggested exercises to do if they need to stay seated. Those taking part can get sponsored to complete the challenge or, if they choose to, simply make a donation.

Hugh concludes: “We know more families are going to need our support more than ever in the coming months as households across the country feel the financial impact of the pandemic, yet we’re worried for the future of our small charity in these unsettled times.

“By holding these home-based ‘Changing Lives Challenges’ we’re hoping to give participants the opportunity to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing in these difficult times whilst supporting our charity. Ultimately this will help us ensure the children we support don’t have to wait even longer for the equipment they so desperately need.”

To view the routine and take part in the ‘Workout from Home’ challenge visit www.childrentoday.org.uk