Virtual challenges raise vital funds for Held In Our Hearts.

Supporters have rallied round a baby loss charity by taking part in a series of virtual challenges during the lockdown.

Like most charities, Held In Our Hearts has been forced to adapt to the impacts of coronavirus on its services.

The Edinburgh-based charity has seen a huge increase in demand, offering hundreds of hours of support to bereaved families since lockdown began in March. Meanwhile, social distancing rules have meant that many traditional fundraising events have been cancelled.

Despite this, supporters have taken on challenges within their local communities to raise vital funds for the charity.

In May, 102 runners raised a total of £4357 for Held In Our Hearts over the weekend of the cancelled Edinburgh Marathon. The charity is now urging supporters to take on #TheKTeam, its new challenge for June, which asks people to see how many kilometres they can run.

Nicola Welsh, the charity’s chief executive officer, said: “Since the lockdown, we have provided over 339 hours of face to face (online) support to families individually, in couples and in groups, 126 phone calls, 873 emails and texts, which is a huge increase on what we would normally provide.

“Our team is working harder than ever to meet that increased need and is never more needed, as we are only beginning to see the traumatic impact of this crisis on families, especially those families that have experienced a loss during lockdown. These challenges have been such a positive way for people not only to raise awareness, but also to give a small, but much appreciated donation for our work.”

Fundraising manager Tracy Watt added: “Like many charities, we have seen our income streams hugely affected by the Covid-19 crisis with many spring and summer sports and challenge events cancelled. We wanted to create challenges that would bring our community together, giving a focus and helping boost their mental health, while we all remain in lockdown.”