A GROUP of determined hikers have travelled more than 60 miles to raise money for a Wokingham charity.
The Microsoft Milesters walked the Thames Path last month, a 100km (62 mile) route from Fulham to Henley-on-Thames to support First Days Children’s Charity.
They raised more than £5,600 for the anti-poverty organisation.
Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, says, “It’s an incredible effort from the Microsoft Milesters. It’s so meaningful to us when people who live and work in our community do sacrificial things to raise money for us.
“It goes such a long way and that amount of money significantly helps hundreds of children.”
The group, which overshot its fundraising target of £3,600, will now give more than £10,000 to First Days as Microsoft plans to match their donation.
“It’s phenomenal,” Emma adds.
According to the charity CEO, for every pound saved, £4 will now be placed in a family budget.
“This group has essentially saved £40,000 for families in the local area,” she explains. “They can now spend that money on essentials including food, fuel and anything that keeps life ticking over.
“Taking on the Thames Path was a huge undertaking and we’re very, very grateful.”