A group of sixty girls participated in a 21-mile walk around Preston’s Guild Wheel to raise funds for a sexual violence and abuse support charity.
Taking place in late August, the Girls Who Walk Group donated nearly £3500 to Trust Lancashire House after the charity faced potential closure in November, last year.
With an aim primarily to raise £500 for the charity, the group surpassed their expectations and will contribute heavily towards the charity’s free, confidential counselling and support for people across Lancashire.
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Grace Gudgeon, founder of Girls Who Walk Preston, set up the organisation with an aim to meet new people after leaving university.
She said: “There aren’t enough words to describe how incredibly proud I am of our GWWP group and what we have achieved through our first sponsored walk.
“Hitting £3,000 on our fundraiser for Trust House Lancashire after completing 19 miles on Monday was a feeling like no other – surrounded by such kind, caring and selfless individuals who, without their continued passion and support, this group would not exist!
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and motivated to continue supporting Trust House as they navigate the next few months. Thank you to every single person who participated and helped on Monday – it truly was a team effort and showed exactly the spirit of our community.
As the charity currently seeks additional financial support to aid their work, Girls Who Walk group will contribute further to the charity’s upcoming fundraiser in October.
Jayne Hurst, service manager and adult therapist at Trust House Lancashire, said: “It was an incredible day! Hot and tiring, but so worth it.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and to Girls Who Walk for organising such a fantastic event. Every donation makes a difference, and thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
You can donate to the Girls Who Walk fundraiser via their Justgiving page here.
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