16205/1GAZETTE & HERALD: DOZENS of sponsorship forms have been sent out this week to supporters of the Gazette's sponsored walk for Springboard.

The 3km event takes place at the Bowood Estate, Derry Hill, on June 26 to raise vital cash for the only special needs pre-school in North Wiltshire.

Last week Springboard patron Lady Lansdowne pledged her support to the appeal and opened up rarely seen parts of her husband's family estate for the walk.

Paralympic hero Ann Dunham, who lives near Swindon, will also be there presenting Springboard children with certificates.

The Gazette's mascot Gilbert the Gator will be kicking off the fun at 10am, but anyone wishing to take part can do so at anytime before 2pm.

Springboard leader Jane Cross said lots of sponsorship forms had already been sent out, but there were many more still waiting for pledges.

"This isn't just an event for Springboard families and those involved with us," she said. "Anyone can take part in the walk, that's the great thing about it.

"Bowood is a fantastic setting and Lady Lansdowne has kindly agreed to let us use parkland and woodland not usually open to the public. It's a great opportunity to have a fun family day out while raising money for the Gazette's appeal."

Those taking part can picnic in the grounds of Bowood either before or after the walk.

Mrs Cross said she hoped hundreds of people would turn out on the day. "This could be a major boost for the appeal," she said. "We've already raised an amazing amount of money, but there's still a long way to go. We need at least £40,000 before the year is out."

When the Gazette launched the appeal back in February we reported how children at the cash-strapped pre-school in Chippenham could lose their places unless more money could be found to save them.

Mrs Cross said: "Without the running costs being met Springboard will have to drastically cut the number of children who could attend."

Over the past few weeks we've followed youngsters such as Fabian Viles, who suffers from cerebral palsy, autistic lad Jack Ramsay and little Lucy Walker, who was born weighing less than 2lb.

Their plights have touched many people, and donations have so far totalled a staggering £10,000.

This week the Gazette received a cheque for £108 from a coffee morning hosted by the Lyneham and Bradenstoke parish churches just another example of the ways in which the community is rallying round.

Other recent donations have come from the King Alfred pub, which raised £350 from a head shave on Saturday night, and £340 from Calne Methodist Church.

Anyone wanting to join the walk is asked to contact Zoe Mills on (01249) 767066 for a sponsorship form or email zmills@newswilts.co.uk

Meanwhile, children at Dodford Farm Day Nursery in Christian Malford dodged the downpours on Thursday to take part in a sponsored walk for the appeal.

One of Springboard's pupils, Amie Butler, also attends Dodford Farm, so owner Kim Branston decided to do something to help.

"Amie's been coming here since we first opened in September 2003 and she's come a long way since then," said Mrs Branston. "We know Springboard is a special place and we wanted to do something to help."

The children set off on their toddle around the playground just as Ofsted inspectors turned up unexpectedly.

"I was in a bit of a panic," said Mrs Branston. "But we passed with flying colours anyway. I had to explain that this wasn't a normal day for us."

Fifteen babies were pushed around the playground in their buggies before the older children, aged between two and four, ran and skipped their way round the course. "They all loved it," said Mrs Branston.

"We sang songs and managed to keep going for 45 minutes. I was absolutely delighted."

Three-year-old Amie, who suffers from a rare chromosome disorder, also took part in the event, and was pushed around in a special wagon.

"The children took turns to push Amie and everyone had a wonderful time," said Mrs Branston.

Newsagents can also help to swell the fund by bidding for a Gazette marketing representative. The newspaper's retail sales team last month launched the Retailers Raising Pounds initiative in aid of the appeal.

The initiative involves the team working with their sales outlets across Wiltshire to plan various fundraising events. Outlets are also being invited to take part in a bidding war with the two highest bidding outlets gaining a Gazette rep for a day.

Click HERE for more details of how to enter