Halfway point of national challenge to raise vital funds for frontline services

A month-long charity campaign which aims to boost the nation’s health and wellbeing is now at its halfway point, with donations pouring in.

Over the past two weeks, the Blue Light Get Active Challenge has tasked individuals with clocking up as many miles or minutes of physical or mindfulness exercises as they can to raise money for The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), as well as The Firefighters Charity, The Ambulance Staff Charity, and Police Care UK.

The Air Ambulance Service operates the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, and Children’s Air Ambulances, and so far, dedicated supporters have raised over £1,700 to support their frontline crews who have shown resilience and determination over the past year – working tirelessly around the clock during the current pandemic, supporting the NHS when it has mattered most.

Leading emergency service discount provider, Blue Light Card, and wellbeing organisation, Get Active are supporting the challenge, offering a state-of-the-art app for participants to log their activities and see where they rank against others in a leader board. Everyone who takes part is encouraged to donate and fundraise for either a charity of their choice or to have the funds split evenly between each of the four charities.

Commenting on the results so far, Vicky Evans, Community Fundraising Executive at TAAS said:

“We are extremely grateful for the support that has been shown for the wonderful Blue Light Get Active challenge by people signing up to take part – their donations are vital in keeping us flying and saving lives.

“We are excited to see how everyone progresses with their challenges over the next couple of weeks and hope that others are inspired to also take part to boost their own physical and mental wellbeing as well as supporting such critical, lifesaving services in their communities.”

The overall running total raised for the four charities stands at £8,683.

Tom Dalby, CEO of Blue Light Card, said:

“We are backing this campaign to support our frontline workers, who are always incredibly important to us but have been even more fearless and vital over the last year or so as Covid-19 has swept across the nation.

“Seeing people get involved and take up the chance to get active and practice mindfulness, especially when the weather has been testing is great to see. And of course, seeing the donations come makes it extra special.

“With two weeks left to go of the challenge, we are urging participants to keep going, and for those that haven’t signed up yet – there is still time to get involved and make yourself known on the leader board!”

Those still wanting to raise funds for TAAS are urged to sign up and choose their challenge – anything from a walk, run, online class, or cycle to any form of mindfulness or mental wellbeing activity – with the challenge ending on 14 February.

For more information and to sign up for the Blue Light Get Active Challenge, please click here.