A Glasgow Tai Chi class held online to support older people's health and wellbeing has received essential funding.
Having started during lockdown to keep people stuck at home active during the pandemic, the ancient martial arts class hosted by Community Tai Chi Scotland has been described as a "great escape" by participants.
Originally the classes were held at Cardonald Library in the city's Southside before they had to move online due to lockdown restrictions.
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Elaine MacMahon, founder of Community Tai Chi Scotland, revealed that the classes looked destined to be scrapped after they lost a funding source.
She said: "The classes have been absolutely fantastic and they helped people during what was a difficult time.
"Once everything started opening up after the pandemic, I thought the online classes may dwindle but the demand was there and that is why we kept them going."
Elaine, who is from Newton Mearns, wanted to ensure that the small community they built wasn't lost after teaming up with Jamie Simpson, a Tai Chi teacher.
The 65-year-old explained that the classes were a big factor in helping her through a tough time in her personal life and that was why she was determined to source funding to keep them going if she could.
After contacting a number of different charities, Elaine had managed to raise just over £1000 thanks to Glasgow City Council Area Partnership, Glasgow Memory Clinic (NeuroClin Glasgow) and the T Howat Charitable Trust.
She then applied to the National Lottery in a last-ditch attempt for funding and got word back that they would give funding up to £2200 to help run the classes which are free to attend.
Elaine said: "It was to my surprise to hear back from the National Lottery fund that they will be giving us some funding.
"It means the world to me and I have no doubt everyone else in the class.
"Jamie has given so much of his time to us and he has really been there through time times.
"I love him to bits and can't thank him enough for everything he has done and will continue to do."
Jamie added: "It is great news that the class will continue online and to know that what I provide helps lots of people means a lot.
"Tai Chi is a brilliant way to help people relax and reset the mind so to have people from wherever they are want to tune in to the class is amazing.
"And Elaine deserves so much credit for making it all happen as she is obsessed with Tai Chi and her passion for it really is telling!"
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