Members of a County Fermanagh Gaelic Football club have sprung into action to enlist in Action Mental Health’s Spring Into Wellness fundraising campaign.
The Enniskillen Gaels have made a pledge to help raise funds for Action Mental Health as part of the charity’s drive to keep members active and motivated to help them get through the next weeks of Covid restrictions.
The Gaels set themselves the challenge to do at least 28 active minutes, for each of the 28 days of February 2021. During the month the Gaels got walking, running, rowing, swimming, doing yoga, cycling, lifting weights, shooting basketball hoops and all sorts besides – while adhering to current social distancing guidelines.
Members, and their families, were also encouraged to attempt an activity they had never tried before over the 28-day challenge. The youngest members of the club carried out football drills in their back gardens, while others engaged in online pilates classes and Just Dance – some even painted their walls! Some of those taking part who already had a high level of fitness used the challenge to push themselves and smashed some amazing long distance runs and hill sprints.
Participants were encouraged along the way by posting in the dedicated facebook page and we had a few prizes to be won from Erne Pharmacy and Susan Rogers Tropic Skincare.
Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager welcomed the Gaels’ efforts for the Spring Into Wellness campaign, stating: “We continue to be amazed at the generosity and enthusiasm of our local community to support the work of Action Mental Health. Our services have continued to support local people right throughout the pandemic and much of this work is only possible thanks to donations and fundraising by organisations such as The Enniskillen Gaels. We are sincerely thankful for their efforts.”
Brendan Rogers, from the club explained: “We set an initial target of £100 as we appreciate that it’s not the easiest of times for people financially right now, and it was more about the fitness and mental health aspect. But we managed to smash the £100 in the first few days so the next target was £500.
“We chose Action Mental Health as the local work they do is fantastic and we wanted to help raise the profile but also because a year into this pandemic we are seeing and hearing about the profound impact it is having on the mental health of so many, it seemed so relevant.”
Brendan added: “We are so appreciative of all who took part, donated money and especially to those who continued to post every day, like comments and post words of encouragement it really helped spur people on. We had folks join from all over the county and as far as Liverpool and Dunfermline so we are truly grateful.”
And anyone wishing to contribute to their effort can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/enniskillengaels28
