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On Friday 23rd July, four Academy members, in conjunction with Graham & Brown, will be trying to raise funds to support well being projects across the North West. 2021 sees the 75th anniversary of Graham & Brown and they have pledged to try to raise £75,000 for various charities across their business. So, to keep with the '75' theme, on the day Steve Clamp, Aaron Harrison, Paul Clamp and Andy Haworth will be attempting to each walk 75 Km - the combined equivalent of walking from Manchester to London!!!

So how far is 75 Km? It's 46.6 miles - almost two marathons!!! For our friends that are crown green bowlers, it's the equivalent of playing 100 games in a day!!! 

Philip Wright was a much-loved young man around Colne, who had a passion for the sport of crown green bowls. In 2010, the Academy was set up in Phil's memory, by his family and friends, with the intention of promoting the sport and working with people throughout local communities, to pass on the health benefits that the sport can offer.

In recent years, the Academy has worked closely with the Stroke Association, East Lancashire NHS and volunteer groups, rehabilitation groups and numerous local community associations, to promote healthy lifestyle - both physical and mental. Following the restrictions that we have all experienced over the last 16 months, this is now a more vital experience and proposition than ever before.

We all know people that have been denied their regular exercise opportunities, or even the simple pleasure of a face-to-face conversation with a friend or loved-one. By supporting the Academy in their work, they can organize social activity sessions to get people out of their homes (in a safe, open, fully inclusive environment) and taking part in gentle exercise to support their health and well being.

All funds that are raised are going to support community projects across the North West. These will be focused on both health and well being projects, at multiple locations, as well as supporting bowls clubs in being able to develop similar projects at their own venues.

Any donations that you are able to make will be greatly appreciated by the Charity and will make a difference to people's lives. The Charity is completely run by a dedicated team of volunteers. If you would like to get involved, please reach out to the team on their Facebook page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the Charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the Charity.