A FUN online fundraising appeal has been launched to mark the 30th anniversary of First Step, which provides services for families in Musselburgh.

‘Do 30 for First Step’ is urging supporters to do something 30 times, upload a video to the community project’s Facebook page and tag three friends to take on the challenge.

It is hoped the initiative will raise £500 to help the centre amidst the Covid-19 crisis, which has resulted in lost income and cancellation of fundraising events.

Amongst the first to spring into action to support the cause was the McCarter family, from Musselburgh.

Billy McCarter and his five-year-old daughter Ania completed 30 star jumps, while his mum Rhona totted up 30 bounces on the trampoline. His sister Denise McCarter and son Cohen made 30 chocolate-dipped marshmallow sticks.

Rachael Croft and her son Arlo made 30 oatcakes and Bea Young did a 30-minute body pump class for 30 days.

The project, based on Galt Avenue, was 30 years old on April 2 but was forced to cancel its celebration – the First Step’s Got Talent competition, scheduled for May 3 – due to the pandemic.

Tina Pollock, project manager and a Dunbar resident, who did 30 kettle bell lifts for the fundraising appeal, said: “During lockdown we delivered home learning packs to all our nursery children and also to Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School and the Musselburgh Resilience Hub.

“We also worked in partnership with East Lothian Play Association and supported loose play packs to be distributed to our children at First Step and the Musselburgh Resilience Hub.”

First Step is now open for nursery children, in line with Scottish Government guidance, and has just started some small outdoor groups such as singing sessions and buggy walks.

Tina said: “We are obviously restricted in numbers due to Government guidelines; however, we are oversubscribed for these groups and have had to add other groups and close the waiting list.

“We are continuing to offer our counselling service online and we are now open again for referrals.

“Our family support is still being delivered remotely and we also have various online groups, such as Bookbug, baby massage, breastfeeding support, and cuppa and chat.”

She added: “We are still continuing to look for donations and have launched our ‘Do 30 for First Step’ Facebook appeal.

“This is to encourage people to do 30 of something in celebration of our 30th year and tag other people to do the same.”

The charity received welcome donations following a previous article in the Courier.

Tina said: “We got a few personal donations from individuals, and Torness Power Station at Dunbar donated £350, which was very much appreciated.

“The loss of income due to the coronavirus has caused a funding gap, as well as the cancellation of many of our planned fundraising events.”

She paid tribute to bank worker Stephen Ferguson, who ran a half marathon on a treadmill in the garden of his home near First Step as he shielded due to asthma.

Mr Ferguson’s efforts raised just more than £1,000 for the project.

To donate to ‘Do 30 for First Step’, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/firststepis30

To take part in the challenge, visit facebook.com/firststepcommunityprojectmusselburgh