Hucknall leisure centre workers take on 100km challenge to help Ashfield families in need at Christmas

The centre, which is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Ashfield District Council, is currently closed due to lockdown. In the meantime, 12 employees are taking on the challenge, with some running the distance, some walking and others cycling.

A public sponsorship page has so far netted £854 , which will buy items including children’s toys, fresh fruit and vegetables, biscuits and chocolates, gift sets and toiletries for distribution via the Under One Roof community resource centre on Vine Terrace.

Leisure centre manager Deanna Housley said: “We felt it was really important to support the people on our doorstep.

“Running 100km is quite a big challenge for some of us. I’m proud of everyone who’s doing it. We are all encouraging each other because we know what a good cause it is.”

She also thanked Worksop business Indie Print & Design for its early support of the campaign.

Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are always keen to support our local communities in any way we can, even while our facilities are closed.

“While we are disappointed not to remain open, it’s comforting to know we’re still able to help in some way. We are proud to be holding this fundraiser and hope it will make a real difference to the families who benefit from it this Christmas.”

The council is also working to support food banks across the district this month, and thanked leisure centre workers for their contribution.

Councillor Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall North, said: “The work that the food banks have done over the past few months has been vital for our community.

"Our voluntary groups in Ashfield are second to none and the service they provide to residents is invaluable.”

He added: “This much needed support will help the most vulnerable in our society maintain access to food, especially over the Christmas period.”

Anyone can donate to the cause via https://tinyurl.com/y3x8wu96. The page will close on December 1.

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