STAFF from a Wotton firm completed an incredible walking challenge in memory of a beloved colleague who died suddenly last year.

30 employees from David James Estate Agents walked from Painswick to their office in The Chipping along the Cotswold Way on Saturday, September 7. 

The 23 mile trek was organised to remember their colleague, Ginny Thompson, who died aged 59 after suffering a cardiac arrest in February 2023. 

Ginny, who was a mother of two, had worked at the company as their accounts manager for 14 years. 

She has been described by her colleagues as a “gentle character” who was “hardworking” and “friendly”.

So far, the challenge has raised more than £12,000 for the British Heart Foundation. 

Lorna Hook, an associate at David James, said: “Ginny’s death came as a complete shock to everyone. 

“Ginny’s passing had a huge impact on us all. 

“She had been with us for a long time and been a part of helping the business expand during that time.”

Lorna said: “Ginny’s sons, Harry and Jack, also joined us for the walk, giving us a great opportunity to get together and remember our friend and colleague. 

“It has been lovely to see the support and donations we've received from clients and professional associates, as well as staff members’ friends and family. 

“Many people will have been affected in similar ways, so this was our way to honour Ginny and support a charity that is at the forefront of research into heart disease.”

On average, 480 people in the UK die each day as a result of heart and circulatory diseases. 

The money raised will help the BHF fund vital research into conditions like heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia, and the risk factors that can cause them. 

Louise Gallard, BHF fundraising manager, said: “We are so grateful to everyone for taking part in this walk - it’s a wonderful way to remember Ginny. 

“This event is a reminder of how heart and circulatory and diseases affect the lives of so many people. 

“However, because of the support from David James we will be able to invest in ground-breaking research that can get us a step closer to breakthroughs that could help save and improve lives and outsmart heart disease for good.”

You can view the JustGiving page here - tinyurl.com/29ceuaf7