Swindon-based charity Wiltshire Treehouse has received a £5,000 donation from an insurance broker and risk management specialist.

The charity, which provides vital bereavement support to children and young people up to the age of 25, was nominated by Gallagher;s Swindon office for a prize fund initiative for small local charities called Making a Difference.

Faye Auty, trustee from Wiltshire Treehouse, said: “We are so grateful to the local Gallagher team for their support of our charity and nominating us.

"The impact of bereavement is far more widespread than just the family unit, often leading to social isolation and other difficulties if children and young people aren’t able to process their grief.

"The funding will help us to continue to offer and to expand vital services, which are important for the long-term well-being of the children and young people in our community.”

A couple of people from the office are currently volunteering with the charity to help out in the group sessions with the children and are due to attend training courses.

The team has organised a Christmas market in December 2018 and the funds raised will also be donated to Wiltshire Treehouse.

As well as fundraising and volunteering, colleagues will be utilising their skills to support the charity in practical tasks, such as business planning and marketing workshops.

Mark Holmes, head of office for Gallagher in Swindon, said: “I am incredibly proud of our Gallagher team for choosing Wiltshire Treehouse as their nominated local charity for Making a Difference, winning this award and securing much-needed funding for the charity.

"Members of our own team have personally witnessed the huge impact that losing a parent can have on children, and the immense difference that intervention from an organisation like Wiltshire Treehouse can make to their future lives.

"The support given is so important when these children are at their most vulnerable. We look forward to working with the charity in 2019 and supporting the valuable work they do.”