Maintaining vital support during COVID-19

03/04/20

The Leanne Fund is continuing to provide vital support to those affected by Cystic Fibrosis and their families across the Highlands and Islands, Grampian and Tayside regions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity, which relies heavily on fundraising and donations, is currently working hard to continue assisting those with Cystic Fibrosis who are classed as extremely vulnerable to severe illness from infection with COVID-19.

All fundraising events for the charity including the Point 5k/10k and Tiumpan 20/20 Challenge have now been postponed.

Currently all Leanne Fund service users are self-isolating at home for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Chrisetta Mitchell, Development Manager of The Leanne Fund said the charity are seeing an increasing number of requests for sport and fitness equipment for home use.

She said: “Individuals affected by CF are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity and exercise to help improve physical function, cardiovascular performance and muscle strength. While they are no longer permitted to go out or attend the gym or sports classes we have seen a marked increase in the number of requests for sport and fitness equipment for home use.

"This is available through our Get Active service. We have recently supported individuals with treadmills, weight benches, trampolines and exercise bikes. Suppliers are experiencing an unprecedented demand but so far we have managed to fulfil requests which means individuals can maintain their fitness and importantly their lung function while they are having to remain indoors.”

She added that maintaining mental health is also hugely important particularly in the current situation and The Leanne Fund is also striving to offer support services.

“If you have Cystic Fibrosis and are self-isolating or social distancing because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s important to look after your mental health. It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated or bored, but if you’re worried about the effect it will have on your mental health, you are not alone – we are here to help!

“As key Cystic Fibrosis staff may be redeployed to provide support in other areas during the COVID-19 crisis, individuals and families are urged to contact The Leanne Fund directly if they require to access any of our support services.

“Our professional registered mindfulness coaches/counsellors are at the end of the phone or available via Skype/Zoom. Please get in touch with us on 01851 702020 or via email at info@theleannefund.co.uk”

As a charity which relies entirely on fundraising and donations, Chrisetta added: “We are so grateful to those who have given so generously to allow us to be able to provide this support during this time of crisis.”

“The Leanne Fund relies entirely on fundraising and donations to fund our vital support services and anyone wishing to give towards our work can do so at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1018656”