100-length swimming challenge raises funds for Preston mental health service

Noel Tracey, Lisa Quigley and Mark Brooks

Two fundraisers swam over 100 lengths of their local pool to raise funds for mental health service Holland House.

On 16 September, Lisa Quigley and Donna Nolan swam the distance to raise awareness of schizophrenia in memory of Lisa’s father, who sadly passed away in December 2020 from liver cancer.

Lisa and Donna set out to raise £500, but thanks to the generosity of family, friends and the public, they exceeded their target and raised £1,630. Lisa asked the team to use the funding for a celebration in memory of her father.

Holland House is a Northern Healthcare supported living service for people living with a mental health diagnosis, where Lisa’s dad lived.

Founded in 2013, Northern Healthcare Limited offers supported living services for people with mental health conditions, autism and learning disabilities.

Lisa wrote on her JustGiving page: “Holland House mental health unit helped me get through one of the most difficult times in my life.”

Lisa visited Holland House to present a cheque to the service and visit the team in October.

She said: “I’d like to say thank you to all the staff and residents for everything they have done for my dad. This money raised is to give a little something back.”

Mark Brooks, Service Manager and Noel Tracey, one of the Founders of Northern Healthcare, attended to meet and thank her.

Mark said: “The care and support the Northern Healthcare team provides is hugely valuable for people and families who are affected by a mental health diagnosis. We can’t thank Lisa and Donna enough for thinking of our team and residents and advocating for mental health.

“They have truly helped to lift our spirits at what has been an emotional time for all. We thank everyone who has donated. The money raised will go towards a bench in tribute to Lisa’s dad and a celebration of life in his memory.”

To donate, visit – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lisa-quigley

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