Aberdeen University’s cricket community has joined forces to help young people affected by loneliness and social isolation.
The group of more than 60 players, which includes both men and women, has organised plans to run, walk, cycle, row or swim a grand total of 1495km and has chosen that number – which equates to nearly 930 miles – because it marks the year when Aberdeen University was founded.
The whole club is taking part with 45 boys and 20 girls participating in a variety of physical activities. They are hoping to complete the venture in the next couple of weeks.
Daniel Sutton, head coach at the university and at Aberdeenshire CC, said he was delighted with the response to the initiative, which will support the Lord’s Taverners’ new isol8 campaign across Britain.
He added: “It’s great to see both the men’s and women’s cricket teams fundraising for this excellent cause.
“The Lord’s Taverners do some wonderful work all over the UK, and hopefully this funding can support those who have experienced isolation and loneliness over the past few months when we have been in lockdown.”
The isol8 scheme has been established to increase awareness of isolation and loneliness and raise funds to support the work and impact of programmes specifically tailored to help disabled and disadvantaged young people.
The organisation said: “Many of us have experienced isolation and loneliness over the past few months and recognise first-hand how challenging this can be.
“Unfortunately, for many of the young people on our programmes, isolation and loneliness are feelings that are very commonly experienced in their lives.
“Disabled young people are twice as likely to experience these feelings as their peers. Our programmes help tackle this by providing new opportunities for our disabled and disadvantaged participants to meet new friends, socially engage and develop a wide range of personal skills.
“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the Lord’s Taverners programmes have halted, denying many vulnerable participants the opportunity to interact with friends and play sport.
“At this time, we know there is an increased risk for our participants.”
Firther information can be found at:
https://justgiving.com/campaign/isol8