A fundraising campaign set up by a local Edinburgh woman has now raised over £1 million for the NHS in just under three weeks.
Olivia Strong, a 27 year old from the capital, launched the 'Run for Heroes' campaign, which encourages people to use their daily exercise to run or walk 5km, donate £5 and nominate five others to do the same.
The initial target for the campaign was to raise £5000 to support the NHS during the country's fight against coronavirus. Since its launch on the 28th March, over 50,000 people across the globe have taken part including many famous faces such as Mo Farah, Lily James and Chris Moyles.
All proceeds will be donated to NHS Charities Together – a national appeal which bids to protect the welfare of NHS staff and equip them to fight the virus.
The social media campaign encourages people to use their daily outdoor exercise allowance to run, walk or cycle 5km whilst maintaining a safe distance from others. The campaign is also being developed to showcase at-home workout options for those preferring to exercise indoors.
All participants are asked to donate £5 via the Run For Heroes giving page and then spread the message even further by sharing a picture of themselves exercising on Instagram, tagging @ Run.For.Heroes and then nominate five of their friends to also take part.
Olivia Strong, founder of Run For Heroes, said:
“Our NHS workers are working tirelessly to protect us in this nerve-wracking time. I wanted to celebrate their efforts and raise money to help them continue the fight to save lives. I am overwhelmed by the response so far - what started as a small fundraiser with friends has grown into a global movement.
“Run For Heroes has been a massive collaboration by everyone in the community from start to finish.
"My friends and family have been very much involved in the process, from all of the artwork created by India, to the name crafted by Alice.
"Most importantly though are the runners who have been running, donating and nominating from all around the world. They've come together for this worthwhile cause to raise money and awareness to those who need it the most.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has supported the cause so far and I hope that the thousands of generous donations will help to make our NHS workers’ lives a little easier.”
For more positive news on the kind things people across the Lothians are doing at the moment, visit our There For You liveblog.
