Swindon residents asked to put best foot forward for carers
Swindon residents are being urged to put their best foot forward to support a charity that helps unpaid carers.
Swindon Carers Centre supports around 4,000 unpaid carers in Swindon by offering them a break from looking after sick, elderly or disabled relatives.
The Walk A Mile In My Shoes sponsored walk on Saturday, June 9 will see dozens of carers, along with staff from Swindon Carers Centre walk a mile around the town centre, starting and finishing at Artsite in Theatre Square.
The event kicks off Carers Week 2018, which runs from June 11 to 17.
Susanna Jones, chief executive of Swindon Carers Centre, said: “Carers are experts in the health and social care system and it is vital we recognise and acknowledge what they do and enable them to have a break from their caring role from time to time.
“The 21,000-plus unpaid carers in Swindon save our economy at least £395million per year. By taking part in ‘Walk a Mile’ we are continuing to raise awareness of the important work they do every day.”
One local business, Suzuki and Hyundai car dealership Pebley Beach, has pledged to match fund every penny raised up to £1,000.
Managing director Dominic Threlfall said: “Swindon’s unpaid carers, young and old, do a fantastic job in supporting relatives who could not cope without them.
“We’re proud to be supporting Swindon Carers Centre and wish the walkers the best of luck – and weather – on Saturday.”
Pebley's support in 2017 helped the charity towards their best-ever fundraising total for the event – £3,000.
Walkers will meet at 10.30am for an 11am start and there will be refreshments, a raffle and an exhibition of carers’ art on the day.
To make a donation, visit Swindon Carers’ Virgin Money Giving page at https://bit.ly/2vxIfkM