At a time of much uncertainty and with many charitable organisations feeling the pinch, Fermanagh Ju Jitsu is doing its bit to kick start some fund-raising endeavours in the hope of helping others.

Next month (June 3) Fermanagh Ju Jitsu senior coach master Lyle Gawley will do 2,000 kicks in a row to raise money for his group’s chosen charity, the Aisling Centre in Enniskillen.

He explained: “Last year Fermanagh Ju Jitsu raised money for Fermanagh Women’s Aid and had a fantastic response so I picked another local charity this year, the Aisling Centre.

“Everyone will have experienced mental health problems at some stage in their lives, either themselves or a loved one. Although people are starting to talk more about mental health issues there is still a stigma surrounding it and the Aisling Centre provides amazing support for those who are struggling,” he said.

His students had planned to take part in ju jitsu throws for the duration of their classes at his main class at Lisnaskea Ju Jitsu in the Castle Park Centre as part of a ‘throwathon’ for the charity but the Covid-19 lockdown has stopped that.

“I still want to support our chosen charity so have decided on a kickathon by myself at home. All proceeds will go directly to the Aisling Centre to support their much needed and under-funded services which includes counselling, psychotherapy, victims and survivors service, children coping with loss, mindfulness and many other services to help people struggling with mental health issues. During the Covid-19 lock down many people who struggle with mental health issues are finding it particularly hard to cope,” he explained.

“I will be doing the event live on on the Fermanagh Ju Jitsu Facebook page at 10am on June 3 so people can watch and make sure I do all 2,000 kicks,” he laughed.

To donate to Lyle’s fundraiser visit:

www.gofundme.com/f/FermanaghJuJitsuKickathon-TheAislingCentre.