I am taking part in the Foundation for Ribble Valley Families' attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest ever game of 5-a-side football.  We will be kicking off at 10:00am on Thursday 18 July, and playing solidly for 75 hours until 1:00pm on Sunday 21st.

Having worked in a development role with the charity since July 2018, I have seen first hand the life-changing difference that can be made through the therapeutic intervention which is delivered.  A number of service users have described the assistance of our coaches as "life-saving."

Towards the end of 2018, the charity was delivering over 130 one-to-one therapy sessions per month - a huge increase on 2017.  Unfortunately, a significant amount of funding which was promised to the charity did not materialise, which has meant we have had to limit the number of new service users we can work with.

I am taking part in this attempt to raise funds to ensure our service can continue to be delivered (free at the point of access) to those facing mental health challenges in the area.  

This challenge will be punishing.  For every hour the 16 players complete, we get 5 minutes to rest.  Even as a sub, we can only sleep or leave the sports hall in a rest break.  If we want 30 minutes off, we have to play for 6 hours solid!

Any support you can give will be greatly appreciated by all involved with the charity...and might just make the sleep deprivation, blisters and cramp a little more bearable!