Calvert Lakes is looking to the future after a “hugely encouraging” response to its Emergency Bounce Back Appeal.

The Lake District charity launched its Emergency Bounce Back Appeal at the end of 2020 having lostover £1 million due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Trust’s fight for survival has captured the public’s imagination in recent weeks.

Thirteen-year-old Oliver Voysey, who regularly visits Calvert Lakes as part of his rehabilitation, suffered a brain injury when he was two days old causing catastrophic damage including sight loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and learning difficulties. To support the Appeal, he launchedOliver’s Calvert Armyand took on a series of challenges, including walking on a treadmill for 13 minutes, standing independently for 13 seconds, completing a 13-minute walk and scoring 13 goals in a penalty shoot-out.

Oliver's campaign went viral after he and his parents Sarah and Gary and sister Elizabeth appeared on national television and radio. Nearly 3000 people have now joinedOliver’s Calvert Armyand are taking part in their own themed challenges.

Commenting on the response to its Emergency Bounce Back Appeal, Giles Mounsey-Heysham, Chairman of the Trustees at the Lake District Calvert Trust said: “I would like to say an enormous thank you to all the individuals, local communities, businesses and Grant-Making Trusts for their fantastic support. What a difference this support has made. We are now over half way to recovering the £1m income lost during 2020 due to the pandemic lockdown and our consequent lack of income. It is hugely encouraging.”

Reacting to the government’s “road map” out of lockdown announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Giles added: “We are optimistic that brighter times lie ahead. Our plan is to fully reopen Calvert Lakes on 21 June 2021 and we are now taking bookings - but we still have some way to go on our journey to recovery and our need for ongoing support remains urgent. The reality is that we are losing money every single day due to operating costs and maintenance - and will continue to do so until the centre can safely reopen and social distancing is a thing of the past.”

Added Giles: “Once allowed to open our doors, our recovery depends on many factors but itis very clear that once this pandemic is over the ‘Calvert experience’ will be needed more than ever -not only by our current beneficiaries but also the many people affected by Covid-19 and the impact it has had on everyone’s lives, health and wellbeing.”

He concluded: “A very big thank you to everyone who has supported us financially and with their good wishes. Please do continue to support if you possibly can. This will ensure that we can continue to be there for our disabled visitors and their families through next winter into 2022 and beyond.”

For further information on the Lake District Calvert Trust and its Emergency Bounce Back Appeal please go to www.calvertlakes.org.uk