COLLEAGUES from Co-operative Food stores in the Stroud area put their best foot forward as they took part in a sponsored walk to raise more than £1,000 for charity.

The 17.8 mile route included stops at 13 of the Co-op stores throughout the region, with a total of 22 colleagues taking part.

One of the three charities that will benefit from this money is Minchinhampton-based care hospice Longfield, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The funds will go towards help the charity run their community-based Art of Health programmes.

Art for Health provides people with a focus and an outlet for their feeling and emotions. It also helps people relax and relieve anxiety and stress.

Julia Mundell, community and events manager at Longfield, said: “Our Art for Health project has been great success with our patients and we wouldn’t be able to continue to run the sessions without the support of kind donations.

“The money generated by The Midcounties Co-operative will help us pay for new materials, as well as support the running costs of our three centres in Gloucester.”

Pat Kiely, leadership team ambassador for The Midcounties Co-operative in Stroud, said: “We’re always looking for inventive ways to increase the amount of money we raise for our charity partner, and this sponsored walk has proved to be a great way of uniting colleagues across the community.

“We’re grateful to all of those who volunteered to take part, as the money will make a significant difference in being able to continue the great art therapy services hosted by Longfield Hospice.”