THE Brighter Futures appeal was given an additional boost last month as teams of energetic volunteers put on their walking boots to take on an overnight trek.

The Walkley Walk, which takes place along the Ridgeway each year, raised over £12,000 for the appeal and other local charities.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club to raise money for needy local causes, this year for the first time they decided to nominate a lead charity and Brighter Futures was an obvious choice.

The event has become a fixture of the Swindon charity calendar since it was first held 29 years ago.

It couldn’t happen without the efforts of volunteers from the Rotary Club who put in their time and effort both in the run up to the walk and along the route itself.

Event organiser, David Dukes, said: “It was a great event and everything went well.

“The walkers were very upbeat and appreciated the time we put in to ensure their safety along the route.

“It is challenging, especially being on the Ridgeway and taking place at night – but as always people enjoyed it, especially once they had finished.”

So far, the Brighter Futures appeal has raised £770,000 of the £2.9 million needed to establish a radiotherapy facility in Swindon.

Currently patients have to make the exhausting journey to Oxford which is the nearest treatment centre.

Jennifer Green, Head of Brighter Futures, said: “The Walkley Walk is such a unique event and we’re extremely grateful to the Rotary Club for allowing us to be a part of it.

“The take-up of teams this year was brilliant with our own fundraising team also taking on the 20 mile walking challenge.

“With the amount raised from the Walkley Walk, we’re within touching distance of the £1 million mark.

“We’ve now got a jam-packed schedule of summer fundraising events ahead of us and we’re certain that the people of Swindon can help take our total to seven figures before the autumn.”