Sawbo Daily Mile: Mayor appeals to community to take on charity challenge in aid of air ambulance and Scouts
The Mayor of Sawbridgeworth is seeking to inspire the community to raise money for two good causes over Easter.
Cllr Annelise Furnace's challenge, the Sawbo Daily Mile, can be done at any point between Monday (March 29) and Sunday April 11. Participants are invited to walk, run, cycle or complete a mile in any other way, as long as they adhere to Covid-19 rules.
“The Sawbo Daily Mile is designed to get us all exercising safely, helping with our fitness and wellbeing levels, and at the same time helping to raise badly-needed funds for two of our fantastic local charities,” said Cllr Furnace.
Those taking part are encouraged to get out up to seven times a week and fundraise for her mayoral charities – 1st Sawbridgeworth Scouts and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance – by getting their family and friends to sponsor them and donate to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sawbomayorcharities.
During Cllr Furnace's year as Sawbridgeworth mayor (2020-21), the coronavirus crisis has prevented her from organising large-scale money spinners for her two chosen charities, such as the civic dinner and mayor's quiz. The Sawbo Daily Mile, however, has given her one more chance to give the Scouts and the local helicopter emergency medical service a funding boost.
The initiative is supported by Boyletts Law, wills and probate solicitors situated in The Maltings. Kim Boylett, who opened the business in 2020, said: “We began working with the Mayor on the Sawbo Daily Mile in January and are promoting it through social media as well as other online and offline channels.
“We'll also be raising money for 1st Sawbridgeworth Scout Group and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance through sponsorship and are looking forward to being regular participants over the two weeks that it's running – it's really time to give our legs a good stretch and get a bit fitter as we slowly and carefully start to move out of lockdown.”
Cllr Furnace wants to stress that participants will need to keep to social distancing rules and ensure they are Covid-19 safe when out and about, but she hopes that the campaign brings some joy to those taking part.
“Outdoor exercise for just 15 to 20 minutes, even in the poorest weather conditions, can reinvigorate and refresh us,” she said. “As someone currently working from home, I sometimes forget this and find my day has slipped away without me even stepping outside the house.
“Being connected with our surroundings, whether that’s Bell Street or walks along the river, Pishiobury Park or simply around the block, exercising will set off those endorphins and make us feel better. So give yourself an Easter boost and get involved in the Sawbo Daily Mile!”