East Midlands charity, Double Impact, has raised £1,179 in a month-long virtual fundraiser to support those in recovery from drugs and alcohol addiction.

Fit4Feb encouraged participants to focus on their mental health and overall wellbeing by working towards an exercise goal of their choice. Various activities from cycling, rowing, running, walking, and rambling were completed by fundraisers.

The participants covered a combined distance 556 miles and many of those who took part noticed a positive effect on their mental wellbeing and felt they were better able to deal with the uncertainty of lockdown life.

Aside from feeling positive and getting outdoors, the campaign has ensured the most vulnerable in recovery are supported. Levels of social isolation have increased over the past 12 months, which has caused the charity to add to its digital support offering. Face-to-face services have been temporarily replaced with telephone calls and Zoom sessions.

The flexibility of the virtual campaign and the accessibility of the self-set challenge meant Double Impact reached a broader group of fundraisers. Not only has this increased the awareness of the support required for long-term addiction recovery, but it will also enable Double Impact to help more people.

Graham Miller, Double Impact CEO and fundraiser, said:

“We’re often told of the benefits of regular exercise for our health and wellbeing, but it’s challenging to find time. Our virtual Fit4Feb fundraiser encouraged people to put their wellbeing first while also supporting the community.”

“We don’t know what the future holds for the charity sector, but we know – from the support we have received – that people want to make a difference and want to be creative with their fundraising. Watch this space for the next virtual campaign,” he added.

More information about Double Impact can be found at https://www.doubleimpact.org.uk.