A SWINDON-based construction company has kicked off its 125th birthday celebrations by launching a staff fundraising campaign to raise £15,000 for two local charities – one of which is the Brighter Futures appeal.

The 93 members of staff at award winning firm Beard, located in Faraday Road, chose the radiotherapy appeal and autism charity Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness (DASH) as part of a company-wide campaign to raise £125,000 for local charities across the south of England in 2017.

Both charities will benefit from a variety of fundraising activities organised by staff throughout the year, which will range from auctions and bake-offs, to the Three Peaks Challenge.

Additional funding support will also come from Beard and The Beard Charitable Foundation, which was launched last year.

Marc Bayley, director of Beard Swindon, said: “These are two incredible local charities who make such a valuable contribution to the Swindon community.

“I’m delighted that our staff have chosen to support them in 2017.

“We’ve got some great ideas for fundraising and I’m looking forward to also getting involved in raising money for these very worthy causes.”

The Beard Charitable Foundation was set up last year by the Beard family to provide funding support to Beard employees in their charitable and community pursuits across the South of England.

It also makes grants of around £20,000 annually, as well as strategic donations to local charities for projects which promote construction industry careers.

Chloe Thomas, community and events fundraiser at Brighter Futures said: “We are thrilled that Beard Swindon has chosen the radiotherapy appeal as their charity of the year.

“The radiotherapy centre will mean patients from Swindon and the surrounding areas will be able to receive vital treatment without having to travel over 70 miles a day to the nearest centre in Oxford.

“With the support of local companies like Beard, we will reach our £2.9 million target sooner.”

Family-run Beard, established in 1892, has offices in Oxford, Swindon, Bristol and Guildford and has been involved in construction work in such sectors as healthcare, arts and culture, commerce, industry and education.

So far £1,424,725 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support.

To donate you can cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.