Swindon volunteers smash target, walking over 2,700 miles in fundraiser to support the region’s bereaved youngsters
Vygon UK team raises more than £1,000 for Wiltshire Tree House
Grieving youngsters from across Swindon and Wiltshire will benefit from a funding boost of more than £1,000, donated to a local charity offering bereavement support to families.
The donation to Wiltshire Tree House is thanks to the efforts of 33 volunteers from Swindon‑based medical device manufacturer, Vygon UK, who embarked on a challenge to collectively walk or run 1,000 miles during February.
Where did the team achieve their target?
In fact, the team smashed this target, covering 2,722 miles by hiking local trails and scenic hotspots including:
- Cricklade Old Railway Line
- Lydiard Park
- West Woods in Marlborough
- Barbury Castle
- Wootton Bassett Canal.
Some volunteers headed further afield to notch up their steps too, visiting Somerford Keynes, Badbury Clump and even Porthcawl in Wales.
The fundraisers were rewarded with a pledge of £1,000 to the specialist bereavement charity from Vygon, and a further £170 was added to the total through a dress‑down day held on World Cancer Day (4 February 2026).
The donation will have “a massive impact” according to Sarah Bear of Wiltshire Tree House, who received the cheque this week at Vygon UK’s Swindon HQ.
What did Sarah Bear say about the donations?
She said: “This funding will pay for a family to access our programme, which means they’ll get to meet other children who have experienced bereavement, they can talk to our team and we can help normalise grief for them.
“It’s heartwarming when we hear feedback from the children and young people who attend our programmes. In our evaluations we found that 100% feel lonely and isolated after a bereavement, but with support they learn they’re not alone and they can be guided on how to move forward.
“We simply couldn’t do the work we do without donations, and the money raised by the Vygon volunteers will have a massive impact.”
The challenge was organised by Emma Pryce alongside the company’s charity committee, Vygon Together. She added: “We’re always looking for ways to give back to good causes in the local area, and the work that Wiltshire Tree House does with young people affected by the death of a loved one is extremely valuable.”