Bourne charity prepares for 24-hour singing and walking fundraiser

A Bourne mental health charity supporting hundreds of people every week is preparing for a 24-hour fundraiser involving walking, live music and a marathon singing challenge.

Don’t Lose Hope, which began in 2018 with a handful of counsellors and a small café, now delivers more than 200 counselling sessions a week alongside community drop-ins, a men’s shed and wellbeing projects.

'Director of Motivation' at the charity Dom Brister says demand for support has “grown massively” in recent years as more people feel able to ask for help.

The charity’s latest fundraiser takes place at The Griffin Inn in Irnham from 4pm on Sunday through to Monday afternoon.

A 24-hour walking route will run through surrounding countryside — while Dom attempts to sing for the full 24 hours with support from local musicians joining him for duets along the way.

“I’ve always wanted to see if I can do a 24-hour gig,” he said.

“The hope is people will come and enjoy the pub, enjoy the music and enjoy the walking.”

Dom says the event is all about raising money while bringing people together and encouraging conversations around mental health.

“If you’re struggling with your mental health, why not go and speak to someone?” he added.