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Sports and physical activity charity, Living Sport, completed a #LocalJoes campaign to celebrate and support individuals who have kept people active and motivated during Covid-19.

The charity, which aims to improve the health, happiness and wellbeing of the people of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, was inspired by the nation’s favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks and coined the term ‘Local Joes’ to refer to selfless individuals who have kept people connected and active through the pandemic.

Members of the Living Sport team put themselves through different fitness challenges such as cycling and walking to raise funds for the charity’s vital work in supporting the efforts of #LocalJoes.

Chief Executive at Living Sport, Simon Fairhall, said: “In recent months we have seen incredible people across the area offering free online classes, delivering workout plans and equipment to people who don’t have the internet, and fundraising for their local communities. 

“These are our #LocalJoes and the funds we raise will help to provide advice, support and funding to enable them to continue to work, adapt and connect with those most in need, when they really need it most through the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

Simon’s individual pledge was to cycle 400km during August, the equivalent to the distance around Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Kelly Vickers, Head of Business Development at Living Sport, said: “We all know how important physical activity is for health and mental wellbeing and this is even more of a priority as society emerges from lockdown and adapts to new ways of living, working and exercising.

“What Joe Wicks did with his online PE classes was truly inspirational and showed just how vital motivating us, no matter what age you are, to get off the sofa and get active; even if it’s just in your own living room.

“We are privileged to work with hundreds of Local Joes across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire who run walking groups, yoga classes, football clubs, charities who provide classes for older people, and so many more. Day to day, these individuals and groups are an essential part of keeping people connected, active and well.”

Other challenges the Living Sport team undertook during August include running 100km, cycling for 24 hours, cycling 20km every day for 20 days and pushing a wheelchair the distance of a marathon in a day.

Find out more about Living Sport at www.livingsport.co.uk