A charity in Greenfield that helps people with additional needs is appealing for nearly £20,000 in the face of closure.

Funky Fitness and Fun CIC opened in 2008 to provide support and care for members with additional needs across Oldham, Saddleworth and Manchester.

The charity educates its members on the importance of keeping fit and healthy through activities – but goes beyond standard exercise classes.

The group promotes independence, teaches key life skills, builds confidence and empowers its members with a voice.

Carita Smith, the founder and director of the charity, said the organisation aims to assist members to reach their full potential as well as help them to keep fit, eat healthy food, socialise and have fun.

However, the pandemic has meant the charity is struggling to keep its doors open.

Ms Smith said: “Unfortunately, like most people we have been hit extremely hard by the global pandemic and we are struggling financially to keep the doors open for our members of staff.”

If it were to close or reduce its operating days, a huge void would open and impinge on members’ lives and development, Ms Smith added.

The team has since come up with a plan to raise some much-needed funds.

They plan on creating thousands of miles worth of paper chains as part of their initiative, the LoveChain project.

The Oldham Times: Members of the group have pitched in to start making paper chains to raise funds for the charity. Photo by Funky Fitness and Fun CIC.Members of the group have pitched in to start making paper chains to raise funds for the charity. Photo by Funky Fitness and Fun CIC.

This project invites other non-profit organisations, societies and schools to join the LoveChain with hopes to collectively build a 24,901-mile-long paper chain – the equivalent of the full circumference of the world.

The idea is to create a paper chain that symbolises love, joy and happiness that can wrap around the world. 

The project even has its own anthem and dance.

Inspired by the early 1970s hit by the O’Jays, ‘Love Train’, Funky Fitness and Fun have adapted the lyrics and choreographed their own dance.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to seek sponsorship and apply for a fundraising pack to support their participation in the project.

Donations start at £1 for one paperchain link on the GoFundMe page by searching Love Chain, with a fundraising target of £19,000.