A TEAM of walkers yesterday put one foot in front of the other in a bid to raise as much money as they possibly could for Brighter Futures.

Kathryn Castree and colleagues from facilities management firm Carillion met at Nationwide headquarters in Pipers Way at 9.30am and began a seven mile trek to the Great Western Hospital.

The walk, which went via the salubrious surroundings of Coate Water, was organised by Kathryn, 56, after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent radiotherapy at Oxford last year.

Kathryn, who has lived in Swindon all her life and worked for Carillion since 2005, said: “I originally started fundraising after they launched the appeal.

“I wanted to challenge myself to spend the year doing as much fundraising as I could because my mum had had breast cancer and had to deal with going to Oxford all the time.”

Kathryn raised just over £1,600 for the appeal last year and wants to continue her hard work into 2017.

“We raised a fair amount of money and I hope it can continue,” she said.

“This year I thought I would get my work colleagues together and do a sponsored walk for Brighter Futures. It’s a great chance for us to get out and enjoy some fresh air and hopefully raise some money.”

Kathryn is a keen walker who treks to and from work every day and often puts in a good few miles at the weekends.

Around 15 people took part in yesterday’s challenge and, luckily, the weather remained perfect for walking.

Kathryn was a little bit worried about the weather a few days beforehand, hoping it wouldn’t be as hot as it had been last week – as she said: “Walking in those conditions would not be fun for anyone.”

She added: “We have a group of friends some of whom have had cancer themselves, so it’s a charity that’s very close to all out hearts.”

The group had managed to raise about £300, but are hoping for more.

So far £1,601,306 has been raised for the appeal.

The team is very grateful for every single donation and wishes to thank everyone for their support.

To donate to the appeal, log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.