A group of fundraisers have swum, cycled and run to bring the cashing rolling in to help fund a minibus for the Waddington Street Centre in Durham.
The independent North East mental health charity is marking its 40th anniversary with a series of money-generating activities and events to raise £40,000 for the vital transport.
A team of keen athletes from the centre has taken part in a long-distance triathlon in Seaham, which generated £1,526 towards the appeal, which so far stands at more than £22,000.
The 40km course comprised a 1km swim in the harbour, a 29km cycle ride around the outer limits of the town, and a 10km run from the harbour and back.
Assistant manager Steve Wakefield, finance officer Claire McGrother and centre member David Davies undertook the running stage while Trustees David Shipman, Jeff Dean and his partner Annette Morris, and David Shipman tackled the cycling leg with housing co-ordinator Sam Mason and her friends Georgina Fuller and Maria Davies doing the honours in the swimming section.
The weather was kind – being calm and sunny – and did not add a further level of difficulty to completing the tough challenge.
Other events planned to help the Waddington Street Centre achieve its fundraising target include a sponsored walk and an entertainment and quiz evening in October, which will feature, among other activities, a chilli eating challenge.
Centre Manager Ali Lee said: “We chose Seaham for this fundraising activity as it is a location close to the hearts of centre members, who love a trip to the seaside.
“Future visits to the coast and outings to other places will continue to be possible with the purchase of a new minibus.
“These are an important part of what the centre can offer as many of the people we support are socially isolated and can struggle to use public transport.
“We are pleased that our money-raising endeavours have attracted the support of the public and local businesses, who appreciate how getting out and about can significantly improve people’s mental wellbeing.”
The Waddington Street Centre is working with a number of local businesses to help with the fundraising, including the developers of Milburngate, which in conjunction with contractor Tolent, funded and completed a makeover of the centre during lockdown.
Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, the joint venture developer of Milburngate, said: “Competing in a triathlon is no mean feat and the Waddington Street Centre team, which took on this tough challenge, deserve high praise.
“The centre is doing sterling work by providing a wide range of informal education activities and support services to people in the surrounding community.
“Arlington Real Estate and Milburngate are proud to support such a fantastic facility.”
The centre has set up a fundraising page where people can make donations here: www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/Waddys40thAnniversary