Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Lockdown has been a strange one! For me personally school work has been overwhelming and the uncertainty surrounding GCSE results this summer has been very stressful. I've missed not being able to spend time with friends and my grandparents. The media are constantly talking about COVID-19 and leaving the house requires a lot of preparation.
What has helped is being able to exercise. I have been out running (yes I'm still on 'Couch to 5k'), walking and riding my bike nearly everyday, as it was a great way to get a change of scene, some fresh air and a break. My family have been really supportive and we have spent lots of time together and made lots of memories during this crazy time and we have really enjoyed each others company. I know that this isn't the case for many children and young people.
Childline provides a lifeline to thousands during COVID-19 lockdown. During Covid calls to Childline has risen by 50%.
Childline has heard from children whose parents have lost their jobs, young carers struggling to look after their siblings when their parents fall sick with Coronavirus. They have also heard from Children with suicidal thought and talk about feeling trapped and isolated.
I have been a volunteer fundraiser for NSPCC Cymru/Wales since I was 8. I have attended many coffee mornings and bucket collections at Only Men Aloud concerts, wrestling matches, Carol Concerts, supermarkets, Cardiff's Winter Wonderland, Glamorgan Cricket and Cardiff Blues matches. I have also run a cake stall at my school when I was in year 8 to support Childline and when lockdown hit I took on the 2.6 Challenge and ran the distance with mum and a team of NSPCC fundraisers based in Wales, Midlands, South West and the Chanel Islands. NSPCC has been the charity I've supported for my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards and during that time I have volunteered over 60 hours.
I want to continue to support the work of the NSPCC so they can still be there for children. This is why I am raising funds to train as a volunteer Childline Counsellor when I reach 16.
It costs £1,600 to train as a counsellor and £4 will answer a child's call to Childline.
Trained volunteer Childline counsellors listen and respond to young people who have got in touch via phone, online chat or email. Their counsellors support young people whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships.
I aim to complete this challenge by Christmas Day 2020 and any support you are able to give is very much appreciated!
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.
Thank you for your support - time to get my trainers on!