From miles per gallon to pounds per mile – motor dealer helps charity walkers hit fundraising target

A charity that supports around 4,000 unpaid carers in Swindon has raised more than £2,500 from a sponsored walk, after receiving the backing of motor dealer Pebley Beach.

Dominic Threlfall, managing director of the Suzuki and Hyundai franchise, pledged to match every pound raised by Swindon Carers Centre’s Walk A Mile In My Shoes sponsored walk up to £1,000.

Spurred on by the company's support, participants in the Walk A Mile In My Shoes raised £1,573 in sponsorship and donations. With Pebley's £1,000, the total stands at £2,573.

Schools development officer Ann Giles, visited the Pebley Beach dealership in Paddington Drive, Swindon to pick up a giant cheque. “The support of Pebley Beach means so much to us," she said. 

The money will be used to fund breaks and activities for some of the 4,000 unpaid carers supported by the charity, whose ages range from between five and 96. 

For the younger carers, of whom there are around 900, it might mean a trip to the beach. For older carers it could be a trip to Bath, or a Christmas party. 

According to a recent survey of its registered carers by the charity, 100 percent reported that attending groups provided them with a break, and 98 percent made new friends. 

Dom 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 Walk A Mile In My Shoes events for a second year.”

For more information about the work of Swindon Carers Centre visit www.swindoncarers.org