Staff and supporters of Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) raised over £1,600 through a sponsored walk in the Cotswolds on Saturday.

Five members of staff plus three family members and three dogs completed an 11-mile walk, taking in Bourton-on-the-Water, Naunton, and the Slaughters.

GRASAC CEO Gilli Appleby said: "We were very grateful it didn't pour with rain like it did yesterday. It was perfect walking through beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds. We were really boosted by a donation of £1,000 at the end of the afternoon. We will keep trying to push it."

GRASAC provides emotional and practical support to survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.

Proceeds from the walk are set to go to GRASAC's Phoenix Group. Gilly explained: "We did a pilot earlier this year. It's a group for young women aged between 14 and 16 who have been exposed to sexual abuse and they come and do evening sessions with us a group. The great bit is that their parents in the meantime are in a separate room and are also in a safe space too talking about what's happened to their family and to get guidance and support.

"It's a very lonely place to be if it happens to you as a teenager or to one of your family members. So we are going to put the proceeds towards that so we can fund some more groups during the year."

If you are able to boost GRASAC's funds further, you can visit their Just Giving page at Sponsored Walk for Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre - JustGiving 

Alternatively, if you have your own fundraising idea, please email info@glosrasac.org.uk