A Swindon charity fundraising committee has been presented with long service awards after racking up a combined 296 years of volunteering.

The Swindon branch committee of the NSPCC received their certificates at a ceremony at the charity’s South West regional hub in the town last week.

As well as receiving the awards the committee also celebrated having raised £52,330 for the NSPCC through their 125 appeal which was held to mark the charity’s 125th year in Swindon.

The committee raised the funds through a variety of events throughout the year including coffee mornings and cream teas.

Branch chair Marilyn Kempshall said: “We were all quite surprised to find that we had achieved 296 years of volunteering, nobody expected that, we couldn’t quite believe it. 

“It was quite shocking when we added up all the years between us.”

Marilyn, who has been volunteering for 17 years, said that she first got involved after her husband took part in a fundraising motorbike ride for the charity. 

She said: “I went along to the presentation event afterwards and they said they needed a treasurer so I put my hand up. Since then I have been Vice Chair and now I am Chair of the branch.

“The Swindon crowd are superb, our main thing is fun, whatever we do is fun. Children should have fun so we have fun when we are fundraising. The whole branch is a great bunch.”

Branch members heard how their fundraising had benefited children when they went to the Swindon hub. 

Marilyn said: “When you hear some of the stories from the children who have been helped it pulls at your heartstrings, but that is why we do it and to get that feedback from the children is so good. That is what all of us want, to make a difference for the children who need support.

“We have all got children, we understand where they are coming from and we want them to have the childhood they deserve.”

Emma Hildesley, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Wiltshire, said: “We were delighted to present the Swindon Branch with their milestone achievement awards. 

“It’s always great to spend time together and show how far their efforts go in supporting children and to show our appreciation in return.

“The Swindon committee is a fantastic group and works so hard to raise money so that we can provide services to children in Swindon and beyond. We are so grateful to all our volunteers for their efforts in supporting the NSPCC.”

There is a virtual meeting for people interested in volunteering on Wednesday, May 15 at 7pm – to register go to https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/vacancy/7742/description