Swindon & Wiltshire News
Supporters urged to shell out as financial advisor dons tortoise costume for charity walk
There are quicker ways of getting from Bath to Devizes, but financial advisor Dave Southby will be walking the 24-mile route for charity this summer – dressed as a tortoise.
Dave, the CEO of Southby & Co. Financial Planning, is undertaking the trek for Swindon-based children’s cancer charity CALM: Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement, which has the plodding reptile as its emblem.
“The tortoise has been part of the CALM logo since the charity was formed in 1984, because cancer treatment for children can often last for months, and in some cases years,” said Dave.
“So it made sense for me to reflect that resilience across those 24 miles.”
CALM is a parent-run charity, which supports families experiencing children going through cancer and leukaemia in the Swindon and Marlborough area, especially families that have children undergoing treatment at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.
Fran Robinson, representing CALM, said, “Our charity is run purely by volunteers and doesn’t receive any government funding or grants, we depend on local fundraising to be able to support the families of children, in and around Swindon, with cancer.”
“Like many charities, CALM has been impacted by rises in the cost of living. Just to keep the same support services running, we need to raise more money every year. We’re particularly proud of our convalescent holiday programme, offering families with a child diagnosed with cancer a free holiday break.”
The tortoise in the charity’s branding draws inspiration from the story of The Hare and the Tortoise and aims to give hope to affected families that ‘slow and steady will win the race’
Fran said: “The support from Dave and his team is gratefully appreciated. Not only will it help us financially, but we’re sure Dave will raise awareness with his tortoise fancy dress costume!”
The walk will journey through villages and towns throughout the 24-mile hike, pausing in places like Bradford-Upon-Avon, where the team are encouraging onlookers to come and support the charity.
“CALM was an obvious choice for me as a local charity deserving of support,” Dave said.
“Being a new dad myself, I’ve learned that it’s challenging being a parent, let alone having a child with cancer and going through those unimaginable circumstances.
“If we can try and help families going through it, that’s the best thing we can do.”
The trek will take place on Saturday, September 6.
