Local Cancer Charity launch their own ‘Lockdown Challenge’ to encourage the community to get active this summer.

Local cancer charity, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, who raise money to fund projects that help people affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales, have launched the ‘Lingen Lockdown Challenge’ to mark what should have been the 2020 Olympics. Their lockdown challenge encourages the local community to pick an activity from: Walking, Running, Cycling, Swimming or Skipping, and a target based around the number 20, to complete between 24^th July and 9^th August. For example, 20 miles of running over the two weeks, 20 minutes of skipping a day, 20 laps of swimming – they challenge you to choose a challenging but achievable target!

People who want to take part will sign-up for £10 and receive an exclusive Lingen Lockdown Challenge medal to recognise their efforts, and act as memento of these difficult times. Participants are encouraged to raise extra funds for the charity, in the form of sponsorship, to boost their fundraising for current projects; a new CT scanner, 3 new clinic rooms, and other, smaller projects.

The Challenge has the backing of Energize, the Active Partnership for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, which promotes the power of physical activity to improve lives. “We are delighted to support Lingen Davies in this activity-based campaign not only to raise much needed funds for those affected by cancer, but also to promote the positive benefits an active lifestyle can have for our overall health and wellbeing,” said chief executive Chris Child.

Being active has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery from cancer. Funds from a previous Lingen Davies appeal, have funded the ‘Get Active Feel Good’ project – a programme that supports local cancer patients to feel better through being more active. Funds from this campaign will allow the charity to continue helping cancer patients throughout their journey.

It’s the perfect way to get the whole family to stay active - why not give your children an exciting activity during the summer holidays? If there’s more than one child taking part, you could make it a competition!

Please only choose an activity in which you are experienced, and comfortable to take part in safely. You must obey all relevant laws, including the Highway Code, while taking part in your activity. At the moment, swimming is only possible in outdoor locations. Only swim in places where this is explicitly permitted, and swim within your capabilities. Do not engage in reckless activities, for example jumping from bridges. If you are not used to wild or outdoor swimming, choose a different activity to complete your Lockdown Challenge. All activities are undertaken at your own risk. Please also remember to follow government guidelines at all times, when completing your challenge.

To sign up to the Lingen Lockdown Challenge, please visit their website