Business professionals in Cheltenham pledge to make a splash to raise some cash for Cheltenham-based charity Winston’s Wish

Professionals from Cheltenham's iconic Royal Crescent came together in full force, wearing their wellies to work in support of Cheltenham-based childhood bereavement charity, Winston's Wish.

Staff from a variety of local businesses turned out for tea, cake and a welly-wanging competition on the Crescent's front lawn, in central Cheltenham.

Managing Director of First Choice Conference & Events, Penny Banyard said, "Winston's Wish is such an incredible charity offering vital services to bereaved children and their families. Bereavement is something which affects us all, so we are committed to doing all we can to support and promote this wonderful cause.

"The team and I enjoy getting involved and 'Wear Wellies Day' is so fulfilling and also just fun!"

The get-together marked the launch of the charity's inaugural Wear Wellies Day on Friday, May 24 - a day dedicated to fundraising and raising awareness of the journey children take through bereavement. From the schools, community groups and businesses across the country that have already registered to take part it's estimated that over 5,200 people will be taking part to show their support for the campaign.

Paul Moore, Head of Corporate & Community Engagement at Winston's Wish, says: "Today alone, more than 100 children will experience one of the most fundamental losses they will ever face - the death of a parent or sibling. Unlike adults, who stay with their grief, children will naturally jump in and out of periods of grief - this is a journey we describe as 'puddle jumping' and it is often confusing for the adults around the child who are trying to support them through such a difficult time.

"The aim of Wear Wellies Day is to raise as much awareness and money as possible to help the thousands of children bereaved in the UK each year. It's been great to have been able to connect with some of our professional neighbours and friends who are local to our head office. The local support has been fantastic!"

For over 26 years Winston's Wish has led the way in providing expert care and advice, helping children and young people to come to terms with their bereavement and providing them with the support they need to live out a full and flourishing future. From its HQ in Cheltenham, the charity supports children, young people, their families - and the professionals who support them - through a wide range of services. For more information, visit winstonswish.org.