Cotswold brand takes on 15 mile challenge for Hollie Gazzard Trust. 
On Wednesday 19th July 2017, around forty employees of footwear and clothing distributor, Gardiners walked 15 miles in the Cotswolds to raise money and awareness of Gloucester-based charity, Hollie Gazzard Trust (HGT).

The footwear label ‘Cotswold’, designed and distributed at Gardiners, is inspired by the family business’ local region and HGT is their charity of the Year. The hiking, wellington and lifestyle brand takes its inspiration from the Cotswold Hills where the large team took on the challenge. The Gardiners team, with individuals from all around the UK and Ireland, was joined by HGT trustees and everyone sported a pair of waterproof trail and hill walking boots from the brand’s award-winning hiking range.

The day started somewhat anxiously, as in the very early hours of dawn, the clap of thunderstorms and the rhythmic tapping of raindrops was to be heard on every house in Gloucestershire. By the day’s beginning the clouds had dispersed and a glow of sunshine lit up the route the participants were to follow.

Starting at Broadway Golf Club, the group headed south towards Cotswold’s highest tower, the Broadway Tower. From there, participants followed the track to charismatic Broadway High Street, and climbed the beautiful Cotswold Way trail into Stanton where a well-deserved break was required. From here the 40 person group explored the characteristic buildings of Stanway, following the postcard-worthy countryside tracks to the tranquil ruins of Hailes Abbey. As the group continued their way to the ending destination, the dramatic backdrops of Sudeley Castle and breath-taking rolling landscapes kept spirits high as they approached the 15 miles finishing flag at Winchcombe cricket ground.

Beauty Queen, Miss Gloucester, Savannah Williams, presented medals to every fundraiser crossing the finishing post at the beautiful ground located at Cordean Lane in Winchcombe. Participants enjoyed watching a game of cricket and evening festivities to celebrate the day’s events, followed by a particularly moving speech from Nick Gazzard, whose family is remembering Hollie’s birthday this week.

The Hollie Gazzard Trust was created following the tragic murder of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard in 2014 by an ex-partner. HGT helps reduce domestic violence through creating and delivering programmes on domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships to schools and colleges. The Trust campaigns to reduce anti-social behaviour and knife crime. The ultimate aim of the Trust is to positively change the lives of young people through partnerships in communities, as well as working alongside other charities and professional agencies. The trust is also the founder of the personal safety device, the Hollie Guard app.

Ben Gardiner, Buying Director, says, “This was a phenomenal team building exercise. It is a joy to support this local and exceptionally worthy charity. We have our utmost admiration for Nick and his family to work so tirelessly in the face of adversity. It’s been an amazing team and brand building exercise in the Cotswold and gives us all a real understanding of the area, its beauty and its natural charm.”

Jun Li, Gardiners, says, “I am from Zhuhai City in China. I was lucky enough to be visiting my employers, Gardiners, during the week they took part in the Hollie Gazzard Trust 15 miles charity walk. I was very happy to be part of the walk as Gardiners is one big family to me. I learnt the story of Hollie from Nick Gazzard and I found it deeply touching. This walk was a good experience in my life and proud to be part of.”

Nick Gazzard, says, “I was delighted to be asked by Gardiners to join in on their 15 mile walk for Hollie across the Cotswolds. It was great to meet so many staff from around the country and share with them the aims of the Trust. The whole event was well organised, well attended and a joy to be a part of. A lot of fun was had by all the walkers whilst at the same time raising valuable funds for the Trust to help us with our projects. A huge thank you to the staff and management of Gardiners, a fantastic local family company.”

Gardiners have raised over £2,000 with funds still coming in. To keep up to date with the fundraising or to sponsor visit: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/CotswoldGardinersFootsure

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