The Making Rooms large and small Laser Cutters have been the most popular machines in our free to use Fab Lab, used by over 2,000 people from our local community in Blackburn with Darwen and beyond.

They've been the basis for many of our charitable programmes for people with disabilities and are much loved by our younger users (and everyone else to be honest!).

Unfortunately the Laser Cutters have been used so much to make so many cool things, it has now taken its toll and both laser tubes have worn out to the extent that we can no longer offer use of the Laser Cutters to our community as it will cost around £5,500 to get both up and running and as a small not-for-profit Community Interest Company we simply don't have the funds.

But our community is desperate to have them back so we are going to desperate measures to bring them back!

In a moment of wild optimism (or madness?) our Director, Eddie Kirkby, has committed to run 21.1km (13.1m) in this year's Manchester Half Marathon in October to raise enough to bring one of the Laser Cutters back to life.

Eddie is 48 years old and has only ever run further that 15km once before so please help Eddie reach the finish line, with the knowledge that he can help our community start making again. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated!