Laura’s loss is Ballers’ gain

Laura Lynch, before and after

A Rochdale mum’s campaign to lose the pounds has raised the pounds for her son’s football club.

Laura Lynch, 36, decided to use her own weight loss challenge as a fundraising scheme for Ballers FC, a club started up in the Shawclough and Falinge area of the town less than 12 months ago.

Eight weeks on and Laura has shed 13lbs – after initially aiming to lose 8lbs - whilst seeing the pounds rise for son George’s club. So far, she has received £250 in sponsorship.

She said: “I have been trying to lose weight since the beginning of the year but was struggling to stay focused so I decided to combine the challenge of losing weight with raising money for Ballers as a way to keep me focused and motivated and it worked.

“It’s not the end of my weight loss journey but has been a great way for me to get the pounds starting to shift.”

Ballers FC founder and manager Marc Finc said: “Laura’s fundraising efforts have been amazing this year and they have helped our club to provide a positive experience for local children.”

“To run a grassroots football club is not easy in this day and age and takes a lot of effort and support from parents. It has cost over £8,000 to run the club in its first year and Laura’s fundraising and support from sponsors is a welcome source of funding that myself, the players and parents are very grateful for.

“We welcome any fundraising and sponsorship from local companies that can help us to continue to provide opportunities for the children in our community.”

Laura is in charge of fundraising for the club – helping to organise the Christmas fair as well as the end of season club awards. She was named Club Person of the Year for all her efforts during the opening season.

Ballers FC runs mixed teams for under 9’s and under 10’s playing in the Heywood League on Sundays.