Let's face it, Covid-19 and the lock down has pushed most of us one way or the other - we've either lost inches or we've gained them. I'm in the latter group, by some margin! But I haven't suffered and for that I'm very thankful. I haven't lost my job - or been furloughed and concerned about redundancy; I haven't been pushed into debt or family crisis; I haven't suffered with my health either, so there's really no excuse to not get active. 

So I'm launching my Covid Waist Race Dig Deep Challenge on the day some of my colleagues have been brave enough to do their own challenges in the theme of #DigDeepandGetMoving to raise money for our employer - local Gateshead charity Citizens Advice Gateshead.

The back-drop of the Dig Deep Fundraising campaign is the amazing and hugely impactful work of my colleagues at the charity. The need for free and impartial social welfare advice, information and advocacy services has never been so crucial as we continue to face the challenges of Covid-19.

We need more resources to respond to demand, but also to enable us to reach out to those who may not be asking for our help yet but who need it - sooner rather than later.  Supporting people - families - to get the help they need as early as possible, to avert crisis and get their lives back on track, is what motivates me to do my job every day, and is what will motivate me to #DigDeepandGetMoving through this challenge.

There will definitely be more than one winner in my Covid Waist Race - I'll obviously benefit too from dropping 6 inches from my waist - I need to drop 10 inches to be in the safety zone - but if you can help me to get to 6 I commit to tackling the other 4 myself! Motivation through your donations will definitely help me to face this challenge. But by sponsoring me you will be helping us to raise money to directly benefit people to make progress from a difficult starting point to have a life well lived, so you can rest assured that every pound and inch lost at my end will also mean every pound you donate will be put to good use.

I'll be posting weekly pictures and updates of progress in my Covid Waist Race so please keep donating and I'll see you at the other side!!

THANK YOU. 

Jayne