Friday, 3rd August 2018
Fabia Slaughter is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds when she competes in The Great North Run in September.
The Good Life Project in Nelson is a therapeutic, horticultural programme run by Pendle Leisure Trust and funded by the Big Lottery – Reaching Communities Programme. Its main aim is to get people out of the house and in to a safe and non-judgemental environment, while benefitting from being out in the fresh air, being close to nature and learning new skills.
It gives people a chance to grow their own produce and help to develop skills such as nurturing, caring, concentration and co-operation in a fun, friendly and healthy environment.
Fabia said: “I was ill and had become isolated. I didn’t want to leave the house or be bothered with anyone. I saw a poster for the Good Life Project and thought I would give it a go. I hadn’t done any gardening before, but I found it very therapeutic.
“Everyone was so nice and kind and I was pleasantly surprised that no one asked questions or judged me. Spending time at the project made a real difference.”
Fabia, who attended the allotments in Reedyford Road twice a week for four months potting, planting and weeding, as well as taking part in the arts and crafts activities, added: “I didn’t think I liked gardening. Not only am I back to my normal self, I’ve also got a new hobby!”
Now back in full time work as an assistant psychologist at Salford Hospital, Fabia wants to give something back to the community project that helped her so much.
“The Good Life Project got me out of the house, talking to other people, learning new skills and gave me back my confidence,” she said. “Now I want to give something back.”
Fabia started running 12 months ago and wanted to set herself a goal, so she applied for the Great North Run and chose the Good Life project as the recipient of her sponsor money.
Pendle Leisure Trust’s Grant Funding/Project Manager, Kathy Titterton, added: “The Good Life Project relies on funding and can only keep going as long as we have the money to do so, so any donation is very much appreciated.
“It is great to hear stories like this from people who have benefitted from the project and want to help keep the allotment going for other people to use.”