Swindon Volunteers Smash 1,000-Mile Target to Help Grieving Children
By Charities Correspondent
A group of big-hearted Swindon volunteers have gone the extra mile — and then some — after smashing a 1,000-mile charity challenge to support bereaved youngsters.
In just one month, 33 staff from Swindon-based medical device manufacturer Vygon UK walked and ran a staggering 2,722 miles to raise money for children dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Their efforts have raised more than £1,000 for Wiltshire Tree House, a charity that supports families and young people across the region who are coping with grief.
The challenge, which took place throughout February, originally aimed for 1,000 miles — but the determined team quickly smashed that target.
Volunteers racked up the miles across beauty spots and local trails including Lydiard Park, Cricklade Old Railway Path, West Woods, Barbury Castle and the Royal Wootton Bassett Canal.
Some team members even headed further afield to boost the total, clocking up steps in Somerford Keynes, Badbury Clump and Porthcawl.
The effort secured a £1,000 pledge from Vygon UK, with a further £170 raised during a dress-down day on World Cancer Day.
The cheque was presented this week at the company’s Swindon headquarters, where the charity said the money will make a real difference to grieving families.
Sarah Bear from Wiltshire Tree House said:
“This funding will pay for a family to access our programme, which means they’ll get to meet other children who have experienced bereavement, they can talk to our team and we can help normalise grief for them.
“It’s heartwarming when we hear feedback from the children and young people who attend our programmes. In our evaluations we found that 100% feel lonely and isolated after a bereavement, but with support they learn they’re not alone and they can be guided on how to move forward.
“We simply couldn’t do the work we do without donations, and the money raised by the Vygon volunteers will have a massive impact.”
The challenge was organised by Emma Pryce alongside the company’s charity committee, Vygon Together.
Emma said:
“We’re always looking for ways to give back to good causes in the local area, and the work that Wiltshire Tree House does with young people affected by the death of a loved one is extremely valuable.”
