How the Shrimps Found a Different way to Spread Some Festive Cheer

Throughout the past year Morecambe FC have adapted their projects to adapt to the global pandemic. This included their Christmas fundraising efforts for Royal Lancaster Infirmary’s Children’s Ward.

Every year the Shrimps would normally visit the children on the ward with the Morecambe FC players and hand out presents, tickets for games and to spread a little festive cheer. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible for these visits to take place in person last year.

Head of Morecambe FC Community Sports, Janet Preston takes up the story,

“We asked the hospital how we can still make a difference for our children and families and that would be in hospital at this very difficult time. The Children’s Ward said it would be very beneficial to get some iPads in order to connect to families outside and to entertain children throughout the year.

“We came up with a virtual JOGLE challenge. A team of staff at the football club took part in walking, running and cycling the total distance from John O’ Groats’ at the top of Scotland to Land’s End at the bottom of England. A Strava group was created for the members of staff at the club that took part as an easily way to track what distance was covered.

“Throughout our virtual JOGLE challenge we had great coverage across social media platforms to help spread the word. The fundraiser went onto the main football club’s website to so supporters could donate and help us to reach the target. Players from the first team that helped share the fundraiser and offer their support in anyway. It was certainly a positive note to end last year on, we will continue to support our local hospital as a community club where needed.”

“Thanks to kind generosity of everyone that supported the virtual JOGLE challenge and the brave   volunteers that battled the wintery conditions we quickly raised enough for  Royal Lancaster Infirmary’s Children’s Ward to enabled 2 new iPads to be donated to the ward and for children to use.”