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VIDEO: It's time to give Covid-19 the boot!





Everyone by now should be familiar with the message but incredibly a small band of people still choose to ignore it.

During Covid-19 staying at home and staying safe is so important to protect the NHS and other front line workers and save lives.

But of course it is not easy to do so particularly when the sun is shining, and it is even harder for the many people who love spending time in the Great Outdoors.

So two such enthusiasts and old friends Lorna Kerr, who works for Education Scotland, and Ollie Bray, Global Director of Connecting Play and Education at the LEGO Foundation, have hatched a plan to unite the outdoor community.

The aim, they have said, is to bring some adventure and expedition buddies together in a playful way and to cheer folk up over the Easter weekend while staying at home.

Lorna, of Mid Calder in West Lothian, explained: “It is called ‘Give Covid the boot’.

"The idea is a simple one, but a powerful one. Basically, we are asking people to get into virtual adventure teams – for example their hillwalking group, an old university climbing club, a mountain rescue team, it doesn’t matter.

Lorna Kerr in the promotional clip to give Covid-19 the boot.
Lorna Kerr in the promotional clip to give Covid-19 the boot.

"Then we ask everyone to record a short clip of one adventurer throwing a hiking boot, ski boot, shoe, trainer, whatever, to the next. Someone then edits the footage together into one sequence and then adds the hash-tag #GiveCOVIDtheBoot.”

After deciding on the idea on Tuesday night, the pair have already secured the support of lots of their friends and even a few outdoor celebrities. Newtonmore-based Cameron McNeish, Scottish wilderness hiker and regular presenter on the BBC Adventure show throws a boot in the promo reel, as does National Geographic Adventurer of the year Alistair Humpries and Guinness World Record-holder and first person to walk the Amazon River, Ed Stafford.

Author and broadcatser Cameron McNeish is on-board for the light-hearted fun.
Author and broadcatser Cameron McNeish is on-board for the light-hearted fun.

Ollie, former headteacher of Kingussie High School, said: “Social distancing is more about geographical distancing.

"In the time of Covid-19 being social is more important than ever before – after-all being social is what makes us human.

"Lorna and I hope that the #GiveCOVIDtheBoot campaign will bring people together, trigger some adventure memories that will lead to a few smiles and remind us that we can still be together, while staying at home.”

Ollie Bray, former headteacher of Kingussie High School, gives Covid-19 the boot at his home in Kincraig.
Ollie Bray, former headteacher of Kingussie High School, gives Covid-19 the boot at his home in Kincraig.

The grass route campaign has also been formally backed by Scottish Mountain Rescue.

Damon Powell, chairman of Scottish Mountain Rescue, said: “We know it is hard, it’s hard for us too, but so far the public has responded well to the message to stay at home.

“But we also know that Easter weekend will be a huge temptation. Initiatives such as #GiveCOVIDtheBoot provides a lighthearted approach to communicate a serious message, while still virtually bringing people together."

For More details of how to get involved including filming tips visit www.givecovidtheboot.co.uk

#GiveCOVIDtheBoot


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