YOUNG people clocked up the miles yesterday to allow hundreds of disaffected teenagers and children in difficulties to be set on the right track across Swindon.

Around 50 challengers tackled the Dash for Cash, a 10-mile walk along the Ridgeway in aid of youth project SMASH.

Each year the charity matches a young person, who through no fault of their own does not receive the help and encouragement they need and deserve, with a mentor who lends them a friendly ear and supports every step of their journey.

Sixteen-year-old Kelly’s self-esteem was non-existent until she joined SMASH a year ago and was assigned a mentor. Now in a much better place, she was one of the first ready at the start line.

“My mentor was someone I could speak to about school,” she said. “She helped me with all sorts of things and with my confidence. I am happier with myself now. I’m doing this for SMASH because I want to help other people get a mentor. And I also want to achieve 10 miles.”

As a former mentee, SMASH marketing officer Joshua Chesterman was keenly aware of the need to secure much-needed funds to allow youngsters like him to turn their lives around.

“When I was 15, I was one of these young people,” he said. “I’m a true example of how it changes people’s lives.

“Our project has grown hugely over the last year.

“We worked with 125 young people last year and that’s the most we’ve worked with.

“The demand in Swindon is getting so much bigger and we need to raise a huge amount because our lotto funding ends next year. As services are being cut SMASH is there to pick up the pieces.”

To make a donation visit smashyouthproject.co.uk.