CHIPPENHAM MP Michelle Donelan has already raised more than £5,000 for the Holt Pre-school new building appeal.

She is gearing up for her 87-mile three-day hike along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath from Keynsham near Bristol to Reading.

The Minister for Education and her colleague Laura Eyles set out today and they will be finishing in Reading on Sunday (September 26).

They are walking the entire length of the canal to raise funds for Holt Pre-School which is in desperate need of a new building.

Children from the pre-school will greet the MP on Saturday morning at the Black Horse Inn in Devizes as she and Laura set off on day two of the trek.

Miss Donelan said: "I have bought plenty of plasters and I am champing at the bit to get out there this Friday and begin my three-day hike of our wonderful canal.

"I have been overwhelmed by the generous donations and messages of good luck I have received so far and I encourage as many people as I can to consider donating to this fantastic cause.”

Kate Buckrell, from Holt Pre-school, said: "The Holt Pre-school community are absolutely delighted Michelle has chosen to raise awareness of the plight of the pre-school and to personally take on this challenge to help us raise these vital funds.

"We will be out in force on Saturday morning waving our flags to show our gratitude and wish Michelle safely on her way.”

Since November 2020, Miss Donelan has supported representatives from Holt Pre-School to help safeguard the future of the nursery.

The pre-school's 50-year building which provides childcare for 20 children is no longer fit for purpose and must be replaced or the nursery will be forced to close.

Miss Donelan said: "I have been exploring all avenues to look for sources of funding and will continue to press this urgent case.

"The pre-school has also been awarded a number of grants and are now delighted to have raised £165,000, but still need to raise a considerable amount of money for a completely new facility.

"One of the many devastating effects of the pandemic is the soaring cost of building materials which still continue to rise."

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michelle-donelan?utm_term=bmWNxqr2p