Duct tape duo has fundraising wrapped up

A senior councillor and a youth MP took fundraising to new heights when they were stuck to a wall.

They took on the duct tape challenge to raise money for a local charity and awareness of fostering.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, was taped to a wall with strips of adhesive.

She was joined by Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP Elle Walsh.

They agreed to take part to round off Foster Care Fortnight, which raised awareness of fostering in the borough. Donations were also collected for the Lower Darwen-based charity Secret Santa.

Councillor Bateson revealed that she was watching Blackburn Rovers when Secret Santa founder Phil Boulding sent her a message suggesting the challenge.

She explained:

I said ‘oh yeah, that sound sounds a great idea’ in moment madness when I wanted to get back to watching the football. But I was happy to do it as the charity does such a lot for our children.

Secret Santa provides sacks of toys for some of our most deprived children at Christmas and a Christmas lunch for people who are elderly and lonely.

It also supports Apple Trees, a respite centre for children with disabilities.

The challenge also marked the end of Foster Care Fortnight and we are still looking for foster carers as we have lots of children who really need our help and support.

The challenge has so far raised around £250 but donations are still being collected and people can give money online or in person to Councillor Bateson.

Mr Boulding said that Elle and Councillor Bateson were both “absolutely brilliant”.