A virtual balloon race is set to take place on 3rd July 2020, to raise vital funds for the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity.
For a donation of £3 per virtual balloon, the eco-friendly event means participants can watch their balloon take to the skies for 7 days and track its progress on Google Maps.
Prizes include £500 in cash, an Apple iPad and £10 book vouchers.
Paula Wilson, Head of Charities and Fundraising at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“As we are all experiencing the fallout of the current pandemic and we really miss being able to get together with others, we thought a little eco- friendly fundraising would give people a great opportunity to connect with each other and have a little fun along the way. Whilst the balloons themselves aren’t real, what is very real is the difference the funds raised will make to patients when they visit one of our hospitals. We want to thank each and every one of you who have already bought a balloon, and we hope others will join in the fun too!”
Each balloon is subject to a simulated flight pattern based on the actual weather conditions, such as the wind speed and current temperature. Those who buy a balloon can choose its colour, pattern, helium contents and even rubber thickness, as well as labelling it.
The three balloons which travel the furthest over the 7-day race will win prizes. Fun for both adults and children, the race may also teach participants new things – such as aerodynamics, geography and design skills. With children all over the UK learning at home, it can be difficult to keep things both enjoyable and educational, but the virtual balloon race does exactly that.
To buy a balloon, visit www.lthcharity.org.uk/get-involved-nhs/fundraising-events/virtual-balloon-race/.
For more information, please contact the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity team on 01772 528500 or e-mail charity@lthtr.nhs.uk.
