WHETHER it's a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike, the Gazette is appealing to all it's readers to join a sponsored walk around the grounds of Bowood to raise money for the Springboard Appeal next month.

The walk, on June 26, will be started by the Gazette's own mascot Gilbert the Gator and we hope hundreds of people will come to join him.

The two-and-a-quarter mile ramble will take place across private parkland at Bowood that is not usually open to the public.

The route meanders through some of the most beautiful parts of the estate and Lady Lansdowne, who helps her husband run the Bowood estate at Derry Hill, will be taking part in the walk and is a patron of Springboard.

"I'll help in any way I can," she said. "Springboard has always struggled with money, but it's never been quite as desperate as it is now. We really need to give it a major push.

"It would be wonderful to get a serious amount of walkers involved."

Walkers can make their own way round the course at any time between 10am and 2pm. It is expected to take between 40 minutes and an hour to complete.

Families taking part are asked to raise a minimum of £20 in sponsorship or to make a donation of £5 towards the Gazette's appeal.

Springboard a pre-school in Chippenham for children with special needs has to raise at least £40,000 this year to save the places of half its children. Almost £9,000 has been raised in the nine weeks since the appeal was launched, but cash is still desperately needed to help it survive.

Three times paralympic gold medallist Ann Dunham, who lives at Broad Hinton near Swindon, will be attending the walk to present certificates to Springboard children who complete the course.

Equestrian hero Ms Dunham was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age 28 and has been wheelchair bound ever since.

Springboard leader Jane Cross said: "It's fantastic to have this opportunity for so many people to help us raise money on a single day."

Contact Springboard on (01249) 657145 for more information.