Date published: 23 May 2016 by Anna Jackson

Dawn, a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker from Southampton, completed a 25km walk on the Isle of Wight on 30 April, raising money to support families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

Along with friends and family, dawn battled the elements and walked through rain and hail showers to finish the Quarter Challenge, which is part of the Isle of Wight Challenge.

Dawn and her team of four has so far raised over £1,200 for Rainbow Trust, where she is a member of the charity’s Southampton Care Team. The team currently supports 125 families including nine families on the Isle of Wight as part of a six month pilot scheme. If enough referrals are made the charity hopes to continue its work on the Island in the future.

“I walked the 25km because it’s just a small challenge compared with the huge challenges the families Rainbow Trust supports face each day.” Dawn, Family Support Worker at Rainbow Trust.

Dawn’s friend Nicola Golding, whose own daughter has recovered from a very serious illness, was part of the team. She said: “The emotional and practical support Rainbow Trust gives to families is exceptional in helping to reduce stress when they are facing one of the toughest times imaginable.”

“Our Challenge events provide an opportunity for people of all fitness levels to get active, completing a personal challenge whilst raising money for Rainbow Trust’s vital work. We are very grateful to Dawn and her team for taking on the challenge and raising awareness of Rainbow Trust’s work on the Isle of Wight as well as raising such a fantastic amount.” Emma Haines, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Rainbow Trust.

Rainbow Trust is calling for more people to sign up for next year’s Isle of Wight’s Challenge, which participants can walk, jog or run. Find out how to get involved in a challenge for Rainbow Trust.