Chailey NHS team raise more than £400 to donate to Communication Matters

An NHS team has walked or run 3.4km every day for two weeks to raise more than £400 for a charity that helps people with communication disabilities.

Chailey Communication Aid Service, part of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, took the 3.4 challenge in aid of Communication Matters.

The charity, which supports adults and children with little or no clear speech, organised the fundraiser after experiencing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Hannah Griffiths, Chailey team manager, said: “We’ve all enjoyed taking it in turns to walk or run 3.4km a day in our beautiful countryside for a cause which is very close to our hearts and those of the adults and children it helps.

“We’re keen to raise as much as we can for it and want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to the many people who have so kindly sponsored us.

“We really appreciate their generous support.”

The Chailey teamnot only assesses and provides communication aids to the same patient group as that served by Communication Matters, but it also attends the charity’s annual conference to share and gain vital knowledge

Helen Baines, one of the participants, said: “Without significant fundraising in the coming months the charity will not be able to continue to provide information services for children and adults with significant communication disabilities and the people who work with them.”

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So far, its members’ efforts have raised £430, exceeding their original £50 target by 860 per cent and drawing the charity’s appreciation.

Named after Communication Matters’ axed 2020 conference, which would have been its 34th, the 3.4 challenge ran from Sunday, March 21 to Saturday, April 3 - or 3.4.

The challenge was inspired by UK charity fundraiser The 2.6 challenge, held on 26 April last year following the cancellation of the London Marathon, which had been due to take place on the same day.

The 2.6 challenge, which helped out charities across the country, encouraged people to do any activity they liked.

You can still sponsor the team, and find out more about the 3.4 challenge, on its JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-baines8

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