Mandy was blown away by her first Recovery Games and wants to raise funds to make next years event the biggest and best yet. To do this she has set herself a challenge to raise funds for the games.
Mandy said “The challenge I’m completing is a sponsored slim to raise funds for The Recovery Games. My aim is to be able to wear the Recovery Games t-shirt when I volunteer again next year. I currently have the largest size, but it does not fit properly yet. I would like to lose 2 stones in order to do this. I’ve given myself a time frame of 6 months – so I started on 1st September and expect to reach my goal by 1st March 2020.
This is a personal challenge for me because I have physical and mental health issues. I have lived with depression and anxiety for 20 years, had major life changing surgery in 2010, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2012 and have mobility issues with my shoulders wrists and hands. I started to gain weight around the time I was diagnosed with anxiety, and I have tried – and failed – to lose weight several times over last 10 years. Having a good cause that I believe in to do this for has given me the strength and focus to achieve my aim.”
Mandy who had never volunteered for an event before applied to volunteer for the games this year. She said “It just seemed the right time and event for me.” she continued “When I went along to the Training/Team Building for the Volunteer role I was blown away by the story of The Games. Neil gave the background of The Games, how it came about, and what the purpose is. The Games celebrate the gains made by those who are in recovery from drug and/or alcohol use. We watched videos and testimonials, and it was plain to see how the event helps the recovery community, and how it has grown and evolved over the years. I met mentors and service users from Aspire and New Beginnings, and found the whole experience very uplifting and humbling.”
On the day of The Games she really enjoyed working together with the other volunteers and in her own words “despite the rain the enthusiasm of the teams was fantastic! Dancing in colours is something I have always wanted to do and was the highlight of my day – apart from raising a good amount on the t-shirt stall. The atmosphere was simply great. I have never experienced anything like it before!”
The Games is a charity event, and is solely reliant on fundraising, grants and sponsorship to ensure its continued success. It has been running for 6 years and 2020 looks to be bigger and better again.
Please support Mandy with her slim challenge, no matter how big or small the donation, all contributions will make a lasting difference to those affected by substance misuse.
Thank You
to donate click the link to Mandy’s sponsorship page here
Published 12th September 2019
