LIVES launches virtual exercise challenge amid COVID-19 crisis

2020 is a special year for the Horncastle based charity which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

From its humble beginnings of its two founding doctors, today LIVES has trained an army of Community First Responders who attend to 999 medical emergencies in their home towns and villages across Lincolnshire.

A LIVES spokesman said: “This year more than ever we need the help and support of everyone in Lincolnshire to ensure we are able to continue to support our first responders, as sadly many of the events that we would be attending have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“During this challenging time, we will not be able to fundraise in the way that we normally would, so we are launching our ‘What’s Your 50’ Virtual Challenge.

“For just a £5 donation to LIVES, anyone can take part in the challenge.

“You can choose how to complete your challenge, whether you walk, run or cycle, set your goal for 50 kilometres or 50 miles, you are in control.

“This challenge not only gives you a clear target to aim for when you go for your daily exercise but it also means you will be supporting LIVES Community First Responders in your local area.

“Not only will you be raising vital funds for LIVES, it is a proven fact that exercise can help with your mental health, and at a time when many may be feeling the strain from being housebound and not able to see their loved ones or go and do the things they enjoy.

“An hour of exercise with a target could be just what is needed to help you through this unusual and challenging time.”

Samantha Scully a LIVES Community First Responder from Grantham has signed up for the challenge.

She said: “I love going out for my hour of exercise every day, it is the perfect way to not only stay active but it gives me an opportunity to clear my mind a bit after being inside all day.

“The thought of doing 50 kilometres was a bit daunting at first but if you break it down in to small chunks you can do a couple of kilometres every day and still easily achieve it, as it is all recorded on Strava it is easy to keep a track of how far I have gone, and how much I have left.

“As well as keeping me focused on how far I am moving each day, I know that the £5 entry fee goes straight to the charity.”

Throughout this pandemic, LIVES responders like Samantha have still been out attending to 999 medical emergencies in their communities, and some, when they aren’t responding, are assisting local county councils with care package deliveries to those who are vulnerable and have no way to get out for themselves.

Signing up couldn’t be easier:

1) Click here and follow the instructions

2) Download Strava onto a smart device or link your smart watch to it

3) You are good to go!

For more information on the challenge or for support on signing up, contact the fundraising team at [email protected]