A GROUP of friends have decided to give themselves a challenge in lockdown to raise money and keep fit at the same time.
Taking part in a challenge that would have them spinning, hula hooping to raise money, only allowing the hoop to be dropped five times.
The group from Brandon, County Durham, practised before the weekend in their gardens some of them learning to hula for the first time.
Inspired by the work of Captain Tom and not wanting to sit around doing nothing the group distanced in a Brandon field and didn’t stop for a whole 60 minutes.
The group’s leader, Tracey Pollard, said: “I do a lot of fundraising with Brandon and Browney banner community fundraiser committee as a team we raised the money together. I wanted to do something for the NHS but to also keep people fit.
“With so many fundraisers at the moment and the amazing Captain Tom raising millions for our NHS we didn’t think many people could still afford to donate because of the situation a lot of people are finding themselves in at this time.
“I gave my friends a challenge to hula hoop non-stop. We managed to get nearly £1,200 without even dropping a single hoop.
"I think people have been so generous with their donations we got a lot more than expected.
“It just goes to show what starts as a bit of friendly competition can spiral into.”
Another participant, Kirsty Nelson said: "Being able to raise this money , when every bodies lives are not on a normal path means so much.
To be able to help the NHS, which is a massively underpaid and underfunded workforce means the world, as at one time or another we all use their brilliant facilities."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here