Wiltshire swim school raises money for children's charity
A children's swim school has raised money for sick children to help finish treatment in a "home-from-home" facility.
Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath recently celebrated a fundraising accomplishment for Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity.
The swimming school for babies, pre-schoolers, and children across Bath, Wiltshire, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire has been an ongoing supporter of the campaign for the past 10 years.
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This year, the school raised £575, bringing their total contribution over the past decade to more than £7,000.
The Bristol Children's Hospital cares for 140,000 patients annually across the South West and South Wales including babies, children, and young adults with highly complex medical needs.
The hospital's staff provides round-the-clock care supported by funds from The Grand Appeal.
The charity provides a wide array of services, including family accommodation, medical research, equipment, and all sorts of therapies such as play, art, and music.
It also invests in art enhancements and new facilities, such as the Patient Hotel, which has just received planning permission to be built.
The latter is a brand-new, innovative project that allows ailing children to complete their treatment at a homely setting rather than a hospital ward, while staying with their families.
Those who wish to contribute to Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal can make their donations online at www.justgiving.com/page/puddleducks.
Commenting on this year's fundraiser, Sarah Austin, owner of Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath, said: "This year we donated Easter eggs and crafts for children spending time in hospital over the Easter holidays.
"Puddle the Duck also visited the wards, putting a smile on the children's faces.
"It's truly an honour to be involved in such a wonderful campaign."
As well as the usual fundraising activities, Austin's swimming school went the extra mile to make the hospital's young patients' Easter a bit more special.
Read more: More details emerge about Trowbridge's new care centre
They donated Easter eggs and crafts, and Puddle the Duck paid a visit to the wards for some fun and cheer.
The generosity shown by the swim school over the past decade has underscored the impact local organisations can have on health services and communities.
Their contribution aids the Bristol Children's Hospital in enhancing the lives of critically ill children and their families, providing services and supportive environments like the forthcoming Patient Hotel.
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