A dynamic new partnership has been established between two local charities Sport Aberdeen and The Archie Foundation – the official charity of Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH).       

Recognising the fantastic contribution The Archie Foundation makes to supporting families of children receiving hospital treatment, Sport Aberdeen wanted to show its appreciation and help to make a difference.  

As part of the new partnership, Sport Aberdeen will provide five free Fitness memberships for 12 months to users of the Archie Foundation, to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of families being supported by the charity.

The Fitness memberships will entitle users to access all Sport Aberdeen gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes throughout the city – with its new Get active @ Northfield venue in close proximity to RACH.

Sport Aberdeen will also provide free activity passes for The Archie Foundation to give to users of the Archie Family Centre and their family members. These will include gym passes as well as ice skating and swimming passes

Sarah Gray, Head of Marketing and Commercial Development at Sport Aberdeen, said: “The Archie Foundation does an exceptional job of supporting children and families going through difficult times.

“We are delighted that this new partnership allows us to give something back by breaking down barriers to sport and physical activity.  

“We hope that these Fitness memberships will help to have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of Archie Foundation users, while the activity passes will also allow them to have a fun day out at the pool or ice rink.”

Cassie McGunnigle, Fundraising Manager at The Archie Foundation, said: “We are so grateful that our children and families will benefit from Sport Aberdeen’s facilities.

“There are a variety of factors as to why families may not access health and fitness facilities which could be cost related, not being familiar with the area if they have travelled for treatment, or simply because they are so occupied whilst in hospital that they just haven’t had the chance to consider it.

“Sport Aberdeen will bridge the gap for many of the children and families we support that are either looking to exercise, or simply have fun.”