The team at Swindon-based financial planning company have set themselves a walking challenge in aid of local children’s cancer charity.
Dave Southby and his colleagues at Southby & Co Financial Planning, based in Wroughton, have set themselves the challenge to walk from Bath to Devizes, nearly 24 miles, for Swindon-based charity, CALM.
In an unusual ‘twist’, CEO of the business, Dave Southby will be dressing up as a tortoise for the entirety of the trek.
“The tortoise has been part of the CALM logo since the charity was formed in 1984, because cancer treatment for children can often last for months, and in some cases years,” said Dave. “So it made sense for me to reflect that resilience across those 24 miles.”
CALM is a parent-run charity, which supports families experiencing children going through cancer and leukaemia in the Swindon and Marlborough area, especially families that have children undergoing treatment at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.
Fran Robinson, representing CALM, said, “Our charity is run purely by volunteers and doesn’t receive any government funding or grants, we depend on local fundraising to be able to support the families of children, in and around Swindon, with cancer.”
“Like many charities, CALM has been impacted by rises in the cost of living. Just to keep the same support services running, we need to raise more money every year. We’re particularly proud of our convalescent holiday programme, offering families with a child diagnosed with cancer a free holiday break.”
The tortoise in the charity’s branding draws inspiration from the story of The Hare and the Tortoise and aims to give hope to affected families that ‘slow and steady will win the race’
Fran said: “The support from Dave and his team is gratefully appreciated. Not only will it help us financially, but we’re sure Dave will raise awareness with his tortoise fancy dress costume!”
The walk will journey through villages and towns throughout the 24-mile hike, pausing in places like Bradford-Upon-Avon, where the team are encouraging onlookers to come and support the charity.
“CALM was an obvious choice for me as a local charity deserving of support,” Dave said.
“Being a new dad myself, I’ve learned that it’s challenging being a parent, let alone having a child with cancer and going through those unimaginable circumstances. If we can try and help families going through it, that’s the best thing we can do.”
The trek will take place on Saturday 6th of September, where the team will be raising money as they pass through the North East Somerset and Wiltshire countryside. They will also be making sure Dave stays safe and cool in his costume.
Dave and his team work with individuals, families, and business owners across Swindon and Wiltshire helping them manage their finances effectively and plan for the future. For more information visit http://www.southbyfp.co.uk
Article from Scott Media
