Fundraiser completes 13-mile walking challenge between Leamington and Stratford for Warwick-based charity

A member of staff from the Morrisons supermarket in Leamington has completed her walking challenge in aid of a Warwick-based charity.

Alex Pearson, who is a Community Champion in Leamington Morrisons, took on a sponsored walk last Friday (February 26) between the Morrisons stores in Leamington and Stratford.

She took on the 13-mile challenge to help raise awareness for Safeline, which helps and supports those affected by sexual abuse and rape.

Alex was joined by her two dogs Archie and Chester for the challenge and Cllr Susan Rasmussen, the Mayor of Leamington, started the first mile with Alex.

Hannah Johnson, President of the Warwick Lions Club, also joined Alex for a mile.

Alex was then greeted at the Stratford store by the Mayor of Stratford.

With all the support of people donating on her just giving page, she has raised £500 for Safeline as well as Morrisons having collections in both stores for February- raising just over £260 between the stores.

Alex said: "Well, what a lovely day it was to do this charity Walk. It started with meeting the Mayor of Leamington, chatting about ideas we can do in the community, while walking the first mile together.

"I met Hannah Johnson, President of Warwick Lions, further along my walk and enjoyed our walking and talking for another mile.

"Again, we spoke about things we can do together to help the community. It was rather fitting as Hannah was the person who introduced me to Rachael from Safeline.

"Archie was a star and enjoyed all the fuss he got while Chester was pushed most of the way in his pushchair – which he loved.

"I walked through Warwick, Hampton on the Hill, Norton Lindsey, Snitterfield ending with a long walk on the A46 to Stratford.

"This was the hardest part of the walk as my legs were starting to flake but seeing the Mayor and Mayoress of Stratford at Morrisons Stratford store, with a fanfare of staff clapping me in, was just amazing.

"Thank you to everyone who helped us reach the fantastic total of £500 and to everyone who cheered me and my lovely dogs along."

Cllr Susan Rasmussen, Mayor of Leamington said: “I was delighted to join Alex, the wonderful Community Champion from Morrisons at the start of her recent sponsored walk from Leamington to Stratford in support of the charity Safeline.

"I’m sorry I couldn’t walk the whole way with her this time.

"Some charities are easier to promote or raise funds for, but more than ever the services provided by Safeline need our support.

"They have had a huge increase in requests for help during the last year. An incredible £500 towards this worthy charity was raised.

"Congratulations should also go to the staff at Morrisons in Leamington and Stratford who held collections in their stores for the whole of February."

The Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Tony Jackson, added: "It was lovely to be there at the finish, to meet and congratulate Alex on a wonderful effort to raise money for Safeline. Meeting her two dogs was an added bonus.

"Safeline provide valuable support for victims of sexual abuse and the recent lockdown has sadly resulted in an increased demand for their services, making Alex's effort to increase awareness and raise money even more important."

Hannah Johnson, President of the Warwick Lions said: "I was thrilled to be able to walk with Alex on part of her challenge for Safeline.

"Alex is always so willing to help local community groups and charities and has been an incredible support to the Warwick Lions over the last year.

"Safeline is an organisation that the Warwick Lions are always keen to support as we are aware of how valuable their services are to their clients. #

"I look forward to working with both Alex and Safeline on projects together in the future."

A spokepserson from Safeline said: "Alex’s support of Safeline is fantastic.

"We are so grateful to Alex and her ‘’dogged’’ companions Chester and Archie for helping to raise awareness of Safeline’s support for people affected by sexual violence and abuse.

"Thank you to Alex and to everyone who donated to her Just Giving page – and to the Mayor of Leamington who set you off on your walk and the Mayor of Stratford Upon Avon who supported your arrival at Morrison’s Stratford. "