Eastbourne man learned to walk again after surgery and completed fundraising challenge

Members of Foresters Friendly Society from across the UK haven’t let the coronavirus lockdown put a stop to their charity fundraising efforts in aid of children’s charity Rays of Sunshine.

Since March, Foresters Friendly Society has been encouraging members to get sponsored for doing any activity 10 times in their Let’s Do 10 fundraisng campaign. From baking and selling 10 cupcakes, doing 10 laps of the garden or singing 10 songs in a virtual concert, activities can be large or small and all can be completed in or close to the home, in line with the coronavirus lockdown regulations.

Steve Linsdell, 62, is the secretary of the South Sussex branch of Foresters Friendly Society and raised £250 by walking a mile a day over the course of 10 days.

After undergoing emergency surgery and a long stay in critical care at his local hospital at the end of last year, Steve taught himself to walk again and used a Zimmer frame, undertook intensive physio and short walks to the end of his drive to build up his strength before completing the Let’s Do 10! challenge in March.

Steve said: “When I heard about the Let’s Do 10 challenge, I didn’t want my operation to stop me from taking part. It was tough, but, with support and encouragement from my local branch, family and friends, I am proud to have completed the challenge and raised £250 for a very worthy cause.”

Michael Charlton-Hubble, president of Foresters Friendly Society, said: “As we battle Coronavirus, it’s hard to hear about charities struggling for funding.

“So, we’re pleased that our membership has responded so positively to the Let’s do 10 challenge. By pulling together, we’re well on the way to hitting our £10,000 target which is great as Rays of Sunshine is a cause very close to my heart.”