We had two people from Swindon compete for us in different challenges on Sunday September 7, and we would like to thank them both for their commitment and hard work to achieve what they did and for raising money for our charity.

Mark Evans, who works in the head office of Nationwide Building Society in Swindon ran in the Great North Run on a hot and sunny day from Newcastle to South Shields in 2 Hours and 43 minutes and raised over £360 in the meantime.

Ivan Lewis, who works at the Mini Plant Swindon, Swam4Joy as part of our 4Joy Appeal at the Windermere One Way 17km swim, finishing in 4 hours and 30 minutes and coming fifth overall. He also and won the Male Veterans (over 50s) category and raised just over £1,060, taking our 4Joy Appeal to nearly £44,000.

I would like to thank not only Mark and Ivan for carrying out their courageous challenges but also the generous people who sponsored them too.

Without the support of people like Mark and Ivan our charity would not be able to exist and somebody like me would not have the opportunity to own a guide dog and be able to have mobility, freedom, independence and confidence.

Alan Fletcher Chair Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Stratton Swindon