Tortoise costume represents 'resilience' for fundraiser

A man will dress up as a tortoise while completing a 24 mile charity walk to reflect the resilience seen by children undergoing cancer treatment.

The inspiration for Dave Southby's outfit came from children's cancer charity CALM's logo, which is based on the story of The Hare and the Tortoise.

"Cancer treatment for children can often last for months, and in some cases years," Mr Southby said. "So it made sense for me to reflect that resilience across those 24 miles."

Mr Southby will be joined by work colleagues on the walk from Bath to Devizes on 6 September to raise money for the Swindon charity.

CALM is run by parents and supports families with children going through cancer treatment in the Swindon and Marlborough area.

Fran Robinson, who works for CALM, said that the tortoise has been part of the CALM logo since it was formed in 1984 and aims to give hope to affected families that "slow and steady will win the race".

Mr Southby, who is CEO at Swindon-based Southby & Co Financial Planning, will dress up as a tortoise for the entirety of the trek, with his team adding they will make sure he stays "safe and cool" in his costume.

Ms Robinson said: "Like many charities, CALM has been impacted by rises in the cost of living. Just to keep the same support services running, we need to raise more money every year."

The walk will journey through villages and towns, pausing in places like Bradford-upon-Avon, where the team are encouraging onlookers to come and support the charity.

"CALM was an obvious choice for me as a local charity deserving of support," Mr Southby said.

"Being a new dad myself, I've learned that it's challenging being a parent, let alone having a child with cancer and going through those unimaginable circumstances.

"If we can try and help families going through it, that's the best thing we can do."

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