The founder of Purple Elephant is preparing to walk the Frome Walking Wheel to celebrate 10 years of the family support charity.
Sue Willis will take on the challenge on 17th May, which involves walking a 16.5-mile outer ring and a five-mile inner ring around Frome – despite suffering from arthritis in her hips.
Purple Elephant Family Support was founded by Sue in 2015 and has been supporting children and families facing daily and lifelong disadvantage in Frome and the surrounding villages ever since.
What began as a single afternoon of children’s summer fun a decade ago has evolved into regular groups and events for children and families, as well as the annual free-to-all Children’s Festival.
“The people who work and volunteer for Purple Elephant are doing the serious hard work of helping children and families in a way that is always fun and joyful, every day,” explained Sue.
“To honour all those who have supported us and made this journey with us, I will be walking at least 20 miles around the area which we serve. Taking in some of Frome, through Beckington, Buckland Dinham, Great Elm, Tytherington and Berkley, I will be covering most of our catchment area via the Frome Walking Wheel. As well as trying to avoid too many cows, as they really are quite big and scary close-up, I am hoping for some willing Frome companions to join me and cheer me on.
“Yes, some people can run marathons or even swim the channel but that’s not something I am able to do, nor can I climb Everest but this is my personal challenge and, for me, it is quite a mountain, I can tell you. So, if you can offer a few pounds towards my target or ask a local company to sponsor us, we can all make our personal challenges a reality and bring a bit of joy to families in Frome.”
Projects run by Purple Elephant include a youth club, holiday activities and healthy meals for referred families; an adult-to-child befriending service; community engagement and support for refugees; and signposting and support for those with mental health challenges.
As well as cheering Sue on or joining the walk on the day, the community can also support Sue by visiting Purple Elephant’s website and Local Giving Page, where they can donate and sponsor.
Visit the Local Giving Page at: https://shorturl.at/e9SjN
Details about Purple Elephant can be found on the website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk
Pictured: Sue Willis
