Oxfordshire networking group partners with Banbury bakery for 90-mile walk fundraiser

Members of the informal networking group, Business Buzz, took part in the Banbury leg of a 90-mile net-walk of Oxfordshire in aid of Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice.

The Net-Walk This May challenge involves participants networking whilst walking 11.25 miles per leg through eight towns over a four week period, stopping off to support the venues in Oxfordshire that Business Buzz would typically host its monthly meetings.

Business Buzz is aiming to raise £1,000 through donations and corporate sponsorship for the children’s hospice. A child's death is every parent's worst nightmare, but nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. Helen & Douglas House helps local families cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or children who will die prematurely.

The Banbury leg was sponsored by The Rustic Bakery, which opened recently on Parsons Street, serving the very best in artisan bread and pastries.

Stacy Parsons, the owner of The Rustic Bakery, said: “I’m really excited to give the town the bakery it deserves.

"The people of Banbury supported our coffee shop and juice bar throughout lockdown, now it's my turn to give something back to the local community. Helen & Douglas children’s hospice provides an essential service and I am proud to support the cause.”

For Hospices, as much as 85 per cent of their income to cover running costs comes from donations. Sadly many of them are operating at a deficit.

Alison Hooker, with Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice, said: “Fundraising is crucial to the continued survival of a charity. A net-walk is a great way to bring people and businesses together whilst helping us continue our essential work. We are grateful to all the walkers, sponsors and donors for supporting us to make this event happen.”

The networking group has completed two of its scheduled eight walks - Banbury and Oxford, so far raising a total of £940 in online and offline donations. The next walk will take place in Chipping Norton on Thursday, June 3 and is being sponsored by Thunder, creators of fine graphic experiences since 1993.

For more information on the 90-mile Net-Walk This May challenge, or to donate, visit the JustGiving fundraising web page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/buzznetwalkthismayThe Banbury Leg held on May 26 started at The Rustic Bakery and included a visit to the Spiceball Country Park, Grimsbury Reservoir, Hanwell Fields, Queensway and a leisurely walk back through the town and around St Mary’s Church, before finishing at The White Horse on North Bar Street for a well deserve fish and chip supper and a few beverages.

Lisa-Marie Mallier, regional lead for Business Buzz Oxfordshire, said: “We’re all missing our face-to-face networking and social events, so this is a great opportunity to bring people together safely and continue our lockdown walking routines! We believe we can achieve great things in business and for our local community by working together.”