Tewkesbury team walks 23 miles, raising £6124 in memory of toddler Ruben
When it comes to making strides for a good cause, Len Payton's garden centre colleagues certainly didn't hedge their bets.
Dobbies Garden Centres’ colleagues in the Tewkesbury store rallied to support colleague Len on a sponsored walk on Saturday, September 7 in memory of his 18-month-old grandson Ruben who lost his battle with an aggressive malignant brain tumour.
A team of 115 locals walked from Ruben’s hometown of Droitwich to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he was looked after by the team of nurses and doctors, raising a running total of £6,124 for the hospital.
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Totalling 23 miles and just over nine hours of walking with only three stops, the group shared laughs, storytelling and tears in memory of the toddler who touched many in his short life as they celebrated what would have been Ruben’s second birthday.
Ruben’s grandad, Len was heartened that so many colleagues, locals and friends joined the family for the fundraiser.
He said: “I truly can’t believe the outpouring of love and support for our Ruben. The cross section of people that joined us on Saturday was overwhelming and I was so humbled and emotional.
“I don't know how to express my gratitude to everyone, thank you just doesn't seem enough. We followed the canal for most of the way and the clapping and support was incredible and we know that a lot of strangers, walking, riding bikes and on boats donated to the website – thank you all.”
To learn more about the work Birmingham Children’s Hospital does for families in the area and to make a donation to the fundraiser, visit here.