A CHARITY that supports children with cancer and their families has received a donation of nearly £7,000 from B&Q.

Staff at the B&Q distribution centre in South Marston presented their chosen charity CALM with a cheque for £7,948.18, which was raised over the last year.

CALM was chosen through a ballot system where colleagues voted for their chosen charity for the year.

Craig Dus, a systems manager at B&Q, said the store was thrilled to raise the huge amount.

“I think it’s amazing, it’s great we get a group of people that devote their time to fundraise and do something they enjoy and raise such a large amount of money,” he said.

The sizeable amount was raised through a host of fundraising activities including a 100 mile race through Cornwall, conquering the Three Peaks Challenge, a 48 hour fishing challenge at the Raychem Lagoon, and a Christmas raffle.

“The fact that I can raise money whilst doing something I enjoy and then that the money can go such a long way to helping children and their families is a great feeling,” said Craig, who lives in Pinehurst.

In total a staggering £19.752.86 was raised by the staff which will be split between CALM, SNDogs, Sports Relief, Children in Need, Hop, Skip and Jump, the British Heart Foundation and other local charities.

The Cancer and Leukaemia Movement charity (CALM) which works in Swindon and Marlborough provides support to families of children receiving treatment at the Great Western Hospital. It is run by parents who have all had a child diagnosed with cancer.

Staff have already selected Young Minds, which supports children and young people’s emotional health and mental well-being, as their chosen charity for next year