A group of like-minded residents are supporting each other’s physical and mental wellbeing while aiming to raise thousands of pounds for charities, writes Anna-Lisa Hasedžić.

Members of inspirational Facebook group Patto’s Squadron have pledged to undertake a range of gruelling fitness fundraisers, including a 24-hour endurance event and a virtual Pole to Pole challenge.

Patto’s Squadron was set up in February 2021 by podcast host Ian Patterson, of Mansfield Woodhouse, as people struggled with feelings of isolation and their general mental health during the pandemic.

Since then the group has grown from strength to strength, and its almost 2,000 members enthusiastically share and cheer on each other’s fitness accomplishments.

Ian said: “During the darkest days of Covid, isolation was so impactful on everyone, especially those living alone — like myself at the time.

“I established the group with the support of Dan McIntyre Clark to encourage local people to get outdoors, exercise, and enhance their mental wellbeing.

“It rapidly grew to have around 400 members in its first week and it became obvious there was a genuine need for this central point of refuge in dark times.

“My amazing admin team grew, along with the groups’ numbers. I’m so proud of everyone who has been involved, past and present, and the amazing things we’ve achieved.

“Patto’s Squadron was needed — and it still is to this day. But it’s only fair to say that I needed the group as much as it ever needed me.”

Although the group was not set up for fundraising, many members are passionate about numerous causes and want to help others.Some undertake one-off events, while others commit to year-long challenges.

For example, on 1st January Simon Gardner started a year-long challenge to walk, cycle, run, and row 12,430 miles — the distance between the north and south poles.

Simon Gardner

The busy father of four children, who works as a locum operating department practitioner (ODP) and wakes early every day to fit in around 30-40 miles, said: “I have chosen this challenging distance and to fundraise for Mind because mental health is the secret taboo subject that no one ever really talks about, yet the condition can be emotionally and physically crippling to the individual.”

Another squadron member and fitness enthusiast is Andy Hubbard, who regularly fundraises via charity-led monthly challenges. Over the last few years he has raised significant funds for several causes and in January he also supported mental health charity Mind by walking 15,000 steps daily.

Andy Hubbard

The group says walking is an excellent way to keep physically fit and it also boosts mental wellbeing. Squadron members encourage each other to get out and about for a wellbeing walk, even in the drizzle. One of the group admins, Kirsten Roebuck, who posts inspirational weekly Wellbeing Wednesday videos, urges fellow members to do what they can, when they can.

For further motivation many members listen to music or podcasts while exercising, including the popular local podcast Patto And The Sunshine, hosted by Ian and Kirsten.

Some attend local gyms, including The Fitness Box, which is hosting a 24-hour endurance challenge on 29th April. Members will be exercising non-stop for a day to fundraise for two charities — Sands, which supports anyone affected by the death of a baby, and Hetty’s, a local charity that helps people hit by a loved one’s drug or alcohol abuse.

Since its launch, several squadron members have taken part in organised running events, from 5ks to marathons.

On 16th April, Ryan Warwood is running the Manchester Marathon in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) after his dad, Carl Warwood, died in 2016 from the disease.

Ryan Warwood

Ryan explained: “In 2011, my father started experiencing a range of symptoms, including an ankle drop and tripping over with no explanation. He struggled on with a smile always on his face through work and family life, being there for everyone.

“He was subsequently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, which progressively took away his independence and ability to function. If it was not for the amazing charity, MNDA, that would have been sooner.”

Another Patto’s Squadron member undertaking a marathon distance is Andrea Smith, who will take part in Macmillan’s Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike on 9th September.

“Macmillan is a cause close to my heart My dad was a Macmillan nurse for 20 years, so we knew first-hand what he would do to support patients and families,” she added.

In addition to raising money, Patto’s Squadron helps the wider community through other initiatives, including Patto’s Pantry, a foodbank campaign that resulted in the donation of more than 1,000 food items and £150.

Patto’s Squadron welcomes new members. To find out more, share wellbeing activities, or get involved in its new virtual book club, go to www.facebook.com/groups/pattossquadron

Many members of Patto’s Squadron took part in the 2021 Shine walk for Cancer Research UK in Nottingham and collectively raised £2,600. Some will also join the The Lashes Foundation charity walk featured in the News Journal earlier this year. The walk on Sunday, 26th March, starting at Clipstone Welfare at 1pm, is aimed at raising awareness of men’s mental health.

How you can help

People can use the links below if they would like to support any of the highlighted challenges on this page:

SIMON GARDNER: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Simon-gardner30

ANDY HUBBARD: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-hubbard18

RYAN WARWOOD: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryan-warwood3

ANDREA SMITH: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrea-h-smith

THE LASHES FOUNDATION: www.lashesfoundation.co.uk

THE FITNESS BOX: www.facebook.com/thefitnessboxuk