SOME of Swindon’s most vulnerable women can continue to get around town in safety after a garage handed over the keys to their new motor.

Last month Swindon Women’s Aid, which runs the Women’s Refuge and supports victims of domestic abuse, appealed for help after mechanics said their old vehicle would fail its next MOT.

But yesterday, after generous fudraisers handed over more than £2,500 to help pay for a new car, the charity’s chief received the keys to the Renault from Gorse Hill Motors.

Jo Heaven, the business development manager at Swindon Women’s Aid, said: “It was wonderful to see an idea come to reality in such a short amount of time, thanks to the generosity of Walcot Charity Shop, Mini Plant and BT Swindon.

“We still have Kayleigh having her head shaved on Monday, February 23, and so far she has raised over £660 which will cover some of the shortfall.

“However, we needed to buy this car before that money came through, as I found good cars got sold really quickly.

“Also the tax and MOT on the P-registration Ford Fiesta ran out at the end of March so we were up against a deadline.

“The car we have got at the moment is a Ford Fiesta and it’s very, very old – in fact I think it was Jenni Manners’ car, whose tireless work meant the refuge is what it is today.”

Long-standing supporters, the Walcot Charity Shop and Library, handed over £1,000 to help cover the costs on Saturday while the charity also received a £772 donation from the BMW Mini Plant and a further £500 from BT Swindon.

The charity desperately needs its own private, discreet vehicle in order to ferry clients back and forth from court appearances, where they will encounter their abusers – meaning that walking or using public transport could open them up to revenge attacks.

The car is also used to take clients to solicitors’ appointments, doctors’ appointments and other errands around town.

Olwen Kelly, the director of Swindon Women’s Aid, said: “I am really pleased to be able to offer the ladies and their families a reliable and efficient way of getting to court hearings, solicitor meetings and for staff to attend training and meet with external agencies in safety.

“Using public transport or waiting around for a taxi puts the victim and the Swindon Women’s Aid staff in danger when they are face to face with the perpetrator in a court waiting room.

“Thank you to Gorse Hill Motors for an efficient service and excellent customer service.”

Swindon Women’s Aid is part of a national charity aiming to combat domestic violence.

The charity works closely with victims and survivors of domestic abuse to empower themselves and develop their confidence once more.

To find out more about the charity visit www.swindonwomensaid.org.