A TEAM of nurses and doctors from NHS Forth Valley have smashed a fundraising target to support a foodbank in Alloa.

Healthcare staff from Forth Valley Royal Hospital's Mental Health Acute Assessment Team recently finished fundraising efforts for The Gate Charity, having completed a 10km run.

They originally set out to raise £500 for the good cause, which has seen a huge increase in demand as previously reported by the Advertiser.

However, they smashed that target with more than £2,804 raised by the time of writing.

Dr Prakash Shankar, consultant liaison psychiatrist at NHS Forth Valley, was one of the doctors taking part.

He said: "Many of the team had never run 10k before and although some of us are better runners than others, as a team we always get to the finish line.

"We managed to raise almost £3,000 – six times our original £500 target and I would like to thank everyone who donated and help us support such a good local cause."

As previously reported, volunteers at The Gate have been delivering food parcels to people's doorsteps during the coronavirus crisis, with a significant increase in demand in the wake of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

That effort has been supported by Clackmannanshire Council with funding, the provision of vans and drivers as well as deliveries of fruit and vegetables for parcels.

The charity's chair Evelyn Paterson sent her heartfelt thanks to the fundraising team of nurses and doctors in a public message.

She said: "The Gate Foodbank would like to thank the Acute Mental Health Assessment Team at Forth Valley Hospital, for their fantastic effort of raising over £2,750 for crisis food parcels.

"We hope you have all recovered from your 10k running challenge and that the knowledge that you have helped support some of the most vulnerable people and families in Clackmannanshire will ease your aching muscles.

"Well done and thank you to all who took part and to all who donated money to this worthwhile cause.

"We very much appreciate it."

Last week, the charity issued an urgent appeal for carrier bags to support its operations.

Donations, including non-perishable food, can be dropped off at The Gate Centre between 10am and 3pm on weekdays.