Fantastic support for 'going sober for a year' challenge spurs Burnley energy company accounts manager to increase fundraising target to £10,000

The fantastic response a Burnley mum of two has received to her challenge to give up booze for a year has spurred her to increase her fund raising target to a massive £10,000.
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Rachael Batson has already completed two months of the challenge to quit alcohol for a year for MIND, a charity that provides support, help and counselling for anyone struggling to cope.

After raising £431 towards her original £500 target she then set the bar higher at £2,000 and, after several people said they wanted to join her in the challenge, Rachael decided to go for broke and up it to £10,000.

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Rachael said: "A colleague said she would like to join me so she is giving up alcohol from now until July next year.

Rachael Batson with her father John Batson who died in 2014.Rachael Batson with her father John Batson who died in 2014.
Rachael Batson with her father John Batson who died in 2014.

"Then other people started getting in touch saying they wanted to help too doing other challenges and events such as bake sales.

"It has been really overwhelming but it shows that people really care and are willing to push themselves for this cause.

"We are happy for as many people as possible to get on board and it's up to them what challenge or project they do to raise cash towards the target."

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Rachael's inspiration for her massive challenge is her father, John Batson who died at the age of 81 after he was diagnosed with leukaemia lin 2014.

Rachael with her sons  Jordan and Joshua.Rachael with her sons  Jordan and Joshua.
Rachael with her sons Jordan and Joshua.

As he was her rock his death left Rachael shattered but, with the help of close friends and her sons, Jordan, who is 20 and 14-year-old Joshua, she got through the toughest times.

To give something back for that help and support Rachael became an avid fundraiser for various charities, from completing a 5k run for Cancer Research to going sober for a month.

She is passionate about raising money for and awareness of MIND as mental health is a huge problem, especially now during the pandemic.

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Rachael said: "MIND plays a vital role in helping vulnerable people in times of need.

Rachael Batson is hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity MINDRachael Batson is hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity MIND
Rachael Batson is hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity MIND

"People need to know it exists and there is help and support available for them to get through the toughest of times when they don't have anywhere else to turn."

An accounts manager for an energy company, Rachael grew up in Nelson and attended Fisher More High School, Colne.

Rachael's challenge now has its own facebook page for people to follow her progress and those of others joining her. Anyone who wishes to make a donation is asked to click HERE