TROWBRIDGE firefighters got their hands dirty for a charity car wash on Saturday outside Tesco Extra in County Way, with the fundraising effort securing more than £500 for two good causes.

The money raised on the day by the car wash was split equally between Dorothy House Hospice and a fundraising effort organised by local student Alice Leyden for the Hope for Children charity.

Miss Leyden, whose mum Sarah works at Trowbridge fire station, is taking part in an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in early September. As well as raising much needed funds for Hope for Children, the trip will also be an opportunity to see one of the charity’s projects ‘on the ground’.

Trowbridge firefighter Steve Taylor said: “It went really well and even though it was a busy day for us, with one of our crews called away for a couple of hours, we still managed to raise £506.

“We had quite a few cars come through throughout the day and we always find that the community comes out to support us when we hold these fundraising events. Some people donated even though they didn’t get their car washed.

“We all know someone who’s been affected by cancer, and the work of Dorothy House in supporting people in that situation is immense, so we’re always happy to fundraise for them when we can.

“With Hope for Children, we’ve been benefitting from Alice’s fundraising for some months, as her mum Sarah has been cooking and selling elevenses for the staff at the fire station, so we thought it would be good to give her an additional boost.”

The 20-year-old student, who is a former pupil at St Augustine’s School in Trowbridge, will be part of a team from the University of Surrey that will be setting off for Mount Kilimanjaro on September 3.

Miss Leyden said: “The money we raise will go to projects in Tanzania, where 437,000 children live on the streets. This wonderful charity makes a real difference to the lives of street children in East Africa, giving them greater opportunities and providing the basis for a sustainable future.

“My aim is to raise a total of £2,990 to support Hope for Children, complete an incredible challenge, and develop a real and tangible understanding of a project that gives children the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

To support Alice, visit https://2015surrey.everydayhero.com/uk/alice-leyden