Fit Ayrshire Dads raise £5,000 for NHS staff over pandemic

The money will be used to create a new staff wellbeing fund at each site.

Members of the Fit Ayrshire Dads Group wanted to express their appreciation to staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran for all the hard work they have done during the pandemic.

They raised funds by doing a variety of sponsored events from brave the shave to sporting activities.

The Fit Ayrshire Dads group was set up as a way of keeping dads fit, healthy and allowing them to have a space to go if they ever have any struggles.

Since its inception however, the group has taken up an important role across Ayrshire, supporting various charities, events and groups.

Kevin Brown, Founder of Fit Ayrshire Dads said: “When the pandemic happened we, like many others, watched as our NHS took the strain.

“We felt it was important to do something for the staff especially those in ICU who have had a really hard 18 months looking after the most unwell in our community.

“We are delighted to have been able to create this wellbeing fund which can give the staff something to look forward to.

“It is just our way of saying a huge thank you for everything they do. To know that this money can be used for these staff to be able to treat themselves to something good is an amazing feeling and I am proud to have played a part in this.

“ I want to thank all the Fit Ayrshire Dads who stood up to the challenge throughout the pandemic and helped make this happen.”

Speaking about the donation, Jacqueline Nicol, Acute Services Site Director at University Hospital Crosshouse said: “We’d like to say a huge thanks to the Fit Ayrshire Dads, their donation will be greatly appreciated by all the staff who will benefit from it.

“The donation has been put into a new staff wellbeing fund on each of the acute hospital sites, Ayr and Crosshouse Hospitals.”

She added: “When rules and guidelines allow, the staff hope to use the funds to support some well-earned social events.”