Larbert mum runs 5K a day for charity in March

Helen Laing, from Larbert and daughter Sarah, who stays in Edinburgh, aim to run an amazing 310km between them by the time March ends on Wednesday to help

the debt centre continue to offer advice and support to people who find them struggling financially.

Helen said: “We set ourselves the challenge of running 5km a day, every day in the month of March, to raise money specifically to support the amazing work of the

Forth Valley Debt Centre.

"As lockdown eases and the government furlough schemes come to an end there will be an increased demand for help with debt.”

Fiona Welsh, Forth Valley CAP Debt Centre Manager, said the centre was thrilled by the effort Helen and Sarah were putting in.

She said: “It’s quite a commitment to run 5km every day for a whole month. Like us, both Helen and Sarah know so many people have taken a financial hit with loss of or reduced income during the pandemic.

“Our team is here to help with debt problems through our CAP Debt Help service and because we’re local we can also support clients practically too.”

The money raised by the mother and daughter running team, will go towards funding support for the centre's clients so they can continue to help help them with practical things like linking up with local food banks, arranging emergency fuel top ups and just being there to offer a friendly voice at the end of a phone.

Fiona added: “Getting help as early as possible can make a big difference. At first it may seem like you can manage a drop in income but when bills start to

get missed debt can rapidly build up until it becomes unmanageable.

“Debt can be caused by many different reasons – ill health, bereavement, relationship breakdown or low income – so it may not just be due to the pandemic

although we know that many people in our area have had a reduction in hours or income and may be struggling.”

Visit www.capscotland.org or www.justgiving.com and search for Helen and Sarah Laing for more information.