Covid-19 has affected people in different ways over the past two years. Many of whom are still struggling with the ongoing impact of the virus on their health and wellbeing. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), for example, estimates that 1.7 million people in the UK now have Long Covid. Their symptoms, including fatigue, muscle pain and breathlessness, make everyday activities difficult and have a debilitating effect on sufferers.
One covid:aid community member, Jo, who fell ill with Covid two years ago, has been experiencing Long Covid symptoms ever since. She said, “My life became a cost vs. benefit exercise as any activity including getting out of bed, making a brew or chatting on the phone now has the payback of pain, crushing fatigue and cognitive dysfunction – on top of the daily myriad of other symptoms. Running? Out of the question. Travelling to see friends and family? Mostly Impossible. Living life how I used to? Absolutely impossible.”
Recognising her inability to take part in traditional fundraising activities like running due to her post-Covid health, Jo set herself a much more reasonable target: to crochet a granny square every day for a month! This means Jo is able to support a cause that is close to her heart – covid:aid – while challenging herself in a way that protects her health.
Jo’s story inspired us all at covid:aid. So, we’re launching Make It In May in respect of our covid:aid community and people across the UK unable to take part in physically active fundraisers following a Covid-19 infection.
Make what in May?
Make It In May is a great opportunity to turn your hobby into a sponsored activity to help raise money for covid:aid. You could write a limerick every day, make a sketchbook of daily drawings, do crosswords, bake, read, sew… whatever it is that you enjoy can be transformed into a month-long challenge. The most important thing is that you have fun while doing it!
Visit our JustGiving campaign at justgiving.com/campaign/MakeItInMay to set up your fundraising page and tag us on social media @covidaidcharity using the hashtag #MakeItInMay to showcase your creations.
Your entry could even be featured as our Fundraiser of the Week on social media throughout the month. Look out for an email in your inbox to find out if you’ve been selected!
Michael MacLennan, Founder and Chief Executive at covid:aid, said, “After reading and being moved by Jo’s experience of Long Covid, it was fantastic – and inspiring! – to see her efforts to fundraise for covid:aid in a new and creative way.
“Over 1.7 million people in the UK are struggling with the lasting health implications of Covid-19 so it’s crucial that we make people aware of this issue. Make It In May will help raise awareness for Long Covid across the country, while raising money to ensure we can continue to support these people in the months ahead.”
Your support can really make a difference to the lives of people across the UK who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sign up today and get crafting to Make It In May!
