Get fit in lockdown with South Shields FC Foundation challenge supporting Cancer Connections

The charitable arm of South Shields FC is calling on the community to walk or run as far and as often as they can during February, with the aim of covering a cumulative 28,000km in 28 days.

That’s 100 people running 10km every day or 1,000 people walking or running 1km every day for 28 days.

The challenge invites parents, players, coaches, supporters and the public to take part in an effort to get people of all ages active.

It also looks to raise funds for the foundation which has worked to improve the health and wellbeing of the community since 2017.

The foundation’s work sees it engage with more than 900 children and young people each week in schools, grassroots and community football programmes.

SSFC Academy manager, Wess Brown, said: “Some of the club’s first-team, academy and foundation players will be taking part and I’m sure there will be a bit of competition, but we invite as many people as possible to do what they can to add to the total.

“I’ll be taking part and fully support it.

“With not much football happening at the moment it’s important for me to stay fit, healthy and active.

“Anyone can take part – it’s about doing what you can as often as you can.”

A fundraising target of £2,800 has been set, with proceeds to be shared with South Shields charity, Cancer Connections, as well as the foundation.

Steve Camm, head of South Shields FC Foundation, said: “Since March 2020 our activity programmes and income streams have been decimated.

“The extended school closures and unknown return date for grassroots football are having a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of the 1,200 people we usually work with and on our normal fundraising campaigns.”

Anyone wanting to get involved with the challenge should record and submit their progress by downloading a free running app, or by keeping a log and submitting their map or distance and sending it in an email each week to: [email protected]

Foundation junior players can submit their records to their nominated team coach.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/FoundationFebruaryFundraiser

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