Heidi Alexander, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for South Swindon, is gearing up to conquer Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, this month as part of a fundraising endeavor for local charity Phoenix Enterprises.
Together with a team of 20 Phoenix staff and supporters, they aim to raise £7,000 in support of the Swindon-based charity and social enterprise.
Phoenix Enterprises focuses on assisting adults with learning difficulties and mental health challenges. The organisation runs a supported employment program that aids around 100 individuals annually, helping them acquire vital employment and life skills while boosting their confidence for a successful transition into the workforce.
As a social enterprise with charitable status, Phoenix engages in hand-assembly work to generate income that sustains its employability programs.
Phoenix CEO Clare McDougall expressed her enthusiasm for the fundraising challenge, stating, “Our commercial income covers around 40% of our costs, so we’re always keen to find new ways to raise much-needed funds. Ben Nevis seemed like a great way to get fit whilst doing something really worthwhile. All the money raised will go towards supporting vulnerable people in Swindon and will enable us to continue providing transformative support services for those with learning disabilities and poor mental health.”
Heidi Alexander, echoing the importance of the cause, commented, “Like so many organisations, Phoenix is grappling with rising costs and diminishing income, so anything that anyone can do to help with this fundraising effort will make an enormous difference.
“I wouldn’t say I’m one of the world’s natural mountain climbers, but I’m up for giving it a go for such a good cause. I’ve seen what an incredible difference Phoenix can make, and so when Clare asked me to join the team, I couldn’t say no.”
If you wish to contribute to the team’s fundraising efforts, donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/team/phoenixbennevis.
The Ben Nevis climb is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 18th June, as the team aims to make a meaningful impact in supporting Phoenix Enterprises and their mission to uplift and assist vulnerable individuals in Swindon.
