20,000m Ski and Row Fundraiser!

My name is Andrew Forsyth, but most people call me Andy!

I’m a Freelance Journalist for an amazing not-for-profit CIC, About the Town, that is committed to providing support and creating opportunities for people struggling with mental wellbeing, social isolation and the daily challenges of food and fuel poverty.

I know from experience how About the Town’s projects and initiatives can make a difference.

Before joining the ATT team, I struggled with severe mental health problems, arising from the challenges of my disability that limited social interaction leaving me with low self-esteem and an inability to see anything positive in life. That all changed after a referral to Social Prescribing who suggested that I contact Bev Roberts, the CEO and Editor of About the Town magazine.

This proved to be an opportunity that completely transformed my life. My confidence has grown, as has my self-esteem and self-worth, and I also feel like I have a purpose in life.

During my time, I have seen firsthand how vital the service provided by ATT is within the local community and how much more can be done to uplift and improve mental wellbeing. The demand for services such as ours continues to grow.

We now have a Community Hub, About the Town Central, in the Concourse Shopping Centre in the heart of the town where we do the following, plus much more:

•Create the magazine

•Various Arts & Crafts sessions

•Pottery Painting

•Free & Heavily Funded Workshops and Courses

•Community Cupboard Scheme

•Warm Spaces

•Coffee Bar

•Signposting to other Services

BUT the organisation relies totally on funding through advertising and fundraising. Every penny that ATT makes goes back into the community and I know what a difference it can make to people’s lives.

With this in mind, and as a thank you for helping me to improve my mental wellbeing, and for giving me confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and purpose in life, I want to do more to help ATT and Bev to build on her vision and dream, so I am aiming to raise at least £500 which will go towards our initiatives, activities and projects that will help to improve the mental wellbeing of the local community.

I am a wheelchair user with mental and physical strength, determination and focus and I don’t let anything or anyone stop me from being the best I can be and doing the things I want to do and that I love to do.

Having twice completed the Great North Run, the biggest half marathon in the world, as a wheelchair athlete, in September I will be aiming to complete a 20,000 metre Rowing Machine and SkiERG challenge at my local GymWorks.

This will be a test of stamina, endurance, physical and mental strength and determination.

If you would like to help, please make a donation, no matter how big or small; you can also help by sharing my page.

A printed sponsorship form is also available for those without internet access. Just pop into About the Town Central in the Concourse.

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for your support for me, Bev and About the Town. It means the world to us.