EMPLOYEES at Brio Leisure have been raising money for local charities while their leisure centres have been closed during the lockdowns.

Julie Reeveley from Rudheath Leisure Centre has been working in Winsford Lifestyle Centre since the former has been temporarily closed.

She fundraised for The Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford and North Clwyd Animal Rescue last March by starting a small ‘charity shop’ outside her home, selling bric-a-brac items to get sizable donations from her neighbours.

This lockdown period Julie’s shop is raising money for NHS Charities Together, which supports the needs of many including those needing aftercare from COVID-19. So far, Julie has raised a total of £500.

Fiona Rice from Winsford Lifestyle Centre has been raising money for The Neuro Muscular Centre in Winsford where she works part-time as a carer.

Fiona has been using her knowledge of hygiene practices to make and sell washable face masks to help others during the pandemic and has donated all proceeds to the centre.

Along with other fundraising volunteers, she has helped to raise a grand total of £1,240.

Fiona said: “It has been a pleasure for me to have given something back to the community. Our hard work has paid off!”

Also a Northgate Arena employee raised £50 through a sponsored run for Refuge, a charity which supports people fleeing from domestic abuse.

The worker said: “The best part was wearing the Refuge T-shirt and helping to spread awareness about the help that is available out there.”

Managing Director Elly McFahn said: “We’re so pleased to have staff who go above and beyond in helping others in their local communities. The trio are shining examples of this. Their innovation and tenacity to support others and channel their energies into such positivity is wonderful, and I feel proud that Brio is associated with them.”

Collectively the trio have raised more than £1,500 for their chosen charities.