Occupational therapist ditches car for a week to raise money for Heywood Foodbank

Alisha and her grandma, Dorothy

An occupational therapist from Heywood ditched her car for a week to raise money for the local foodbank.

Alisha Kelly, 25, opted to walk from her home to Fairfield Hospital, where she works – resulting in around 25 miles covered for the week.

Alisha, who helps rehabilitate stroke patients and help them gain their independence, said she decided to raise money for the Heywood Foodbank after the MPs voted against extending the school meal voucher scheme until Easter.

For the first time ever this year due to the pandemic, the government funded vouchers for those eligible for free school meals over the summer holidays to support children from disadvantaged families.

Alisha said: “After I saw that, I thought how horrible it would be to be a child in that situation. There will also be hungry single parents who make sure their children eat and go without themselves.

“I didn’t know if donations were down at the foodbank, and I wasn’t sure what else to do. A friend gave me the idea and I thought this was achievable.”

Alisha says she may consider leaving her car at home in the summer to walk to work again, after opting to complete her challenge during a cold winter week.

She has already raised £600 through her JustGiving page, which she has withdrawn to purchase vouchers for the foodbank, but will leave the fundraiser open for a few more days, should anyone else want to contribute.

To donate, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alisha-kelly-1