A home department retailer with a store in Melksham has achieved a significant milestone by raising more than £175,000 for its nominated charity, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Now Leekes Retail & Leisure Group has been recognised by the Wales Appeal Board of the national charity for its outstanding charity support for NSPCC services in Cardiff.

The significant milestone was achieved by the family-owned retailer through a variety of fundraising initiatives. Past challenges have included family members and friends most notably ascending to Base Camp at Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro.

In the last 12 months, they have taken part in the London Marathon, the Great North Run, the Snowdon Moonlight Challenge, Wales Ironman along with holding the annual Golf Day at their sister business, The Vale Hotel, as well as a variety of activities within their home department stores.

Emma Leeke, Managing Director at Leekes, is a board member on the Wales Appeal Board of the NSPCC campaign with a target of raising funds to maintain service provision within the NSPCC centre in Cardiff.

She said: “Since I was asked to join the Appeal Board of the NSPCC campaign I’ve been delighted to be able to help the charity with their fundraising work aimed at helping to provide much-needed services for children in Wales who have suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

“We are thrilled to have raised over £175,000 for the NSPCC since they became Leekes’ nominated charity nearly ten years ago. Despite reaching this substantial total we are committed to continuing our support for this fantastic charity, and are determined to set our future targets even higher with a wide range of challenges and activities in the planning!”

Des Mannion, Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, said: “We are deeply thankful to the Leeke family for all their fundraising endeavours and the impressive challenges they have completed along the way. Every penny they’ve raise will go towards us fighting for every childhood and helping to support children across Wales.

“The NSPCC is committed to supporting children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, as well as providing support through the children’s helpline Childline for children and young people when they need it the most.”

Leekes Retail & Leisure Group is an independent, family-owned company based in South Wales with 120 years of trading history. The retail business now operates five home department stores including one in Melksham.