Fundraisers are the lifeblood of any charity and that’s certainly true for Newlife. As well as a variety of organised activities people can take part in, from half marathons to skydiving, we also encourage people to set up their own fundraisers too, which can be anything from bake sales to undertaking great treks – all in aid of helping children with disabilities receive the vital equipment they need.

One intrepid fundraiser is Debbie Jackson who works at Newlife’s Moreton store. Debbie, along with her friend Tess Williams, has been training hard for a walking challenge which will see them walking seven hours a day as they make their way from Minehead to Westward Ho, beginning on May 15th.

Not only does Debbie work in Newlife’s Moreton store, which sells brand new stock donated from High Street brands to raise funds to help provide equipment and support for disabled children and their families, she is always thinking of new ways to help the charity. Newlife has nine stores across the UK and is one of the leading charity providers of specialist equipment in the UK, providing wheelchairs, buggies, car seats and beds.

As a Newlife Fundraising Champion Debbie has already organised several fundraisers including raffles and bake sales, but decided to plan the self-funded charity walk after becoming inspired by book called The Salt Path, which is centred around a couple who lose everything and embark on a coastal trek. Debbie originally thought it would be a solo trip – but when she told Tess her plan, her friend refused to let her do it alone.

Debbie said: “We’ll be telling people all about Newlife as we travel along the route and are hoping to put collection tins in hotels we stay at and will even be wearing Newlife vests with a QR code on. We’re very excited about doing this and we’d just like to raise as much money as possible to help provide equipment for children who need it.

“I got a job at Newlife initially to help with grief after the loss of my husband, Adrien, as I was at a loss. I have been a volunteer for other charities over the years and when I saw the job at Newlife advertised I thought about what skills did I have to bring to the role – but I didn’t realise how much the job would actually help me. Meeting new people and making friendships, learning all about Newlife has made it all worthwhile, which is why I really wanted to do something to raise funds for the charity.

“Even though we do a lot of walking, I’ve no doubt we will find it challenging, especially on tired legs, but hopefully we will receive a lot of support along the way and I know that thinking about the children we are helping by doing this will really keep us going.”

For anyone who would like to support Debbie and Tess for the charity walk, please visit their JustGiving page

If you would like to raise money to help disabled children and their families receive the equipment and support they need, please visit their events page for forthcoming  activities or the Get Involved page for more information about fundraising for Newlife. You can also email fundraise@newlifecharity.co.uk and the team will be happy to help you!