A charity which supports vulnerable women back to independent living has reached its target to raise £1,000 thanks to the generosity of businesses and organisations.

The 10:10 Project Pledge was launched earlier this year by the Christchurch-based The Water Lily Project as part of its tenth anniversary campaign.

The aim was to raise £1,000 to provide ten women in crisis with 100 hours of 1:1 support.

The charity, which receives no government funding and relies solely on grants and donations, has seen an 80 per cent increase year on year from women needing its support services.

Serving Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, The Water Lily Project supports women as they flee domestic violence, acrimonious divorces or struggle with mental health or financial difficulties.

It works with each beneficiary for up to a year, empowering them to get their own lives back on track through courses, life-skill workshops and 1:1 support.

Dorset Biz News was the first to pledge financial support after we carried a story mentioning the campaign.

Our amazing readers followed suit with Bijou Recruitment, headed by Amanda Reuben, pictured right, adding to the pledge.

Then came Premier Life Skills, Bournemouth and Christchurch Lions Club, Troika Developments, St Joseph’s Church in Purewell, Bransgore Community Church, Bournemouth fitness group Sweat Like a Mother (S.L.A.M), Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch and last, but by no means least, Christchurch-based My Sewing Box.

Angela Gilbert, of the all-female My Sewing Box, said: “We want to help support other women too.

“We have benefited massively from having the support of a community of amazing women as we’ve grown our business over the years, so we know just how much it means to have that support when you need it most.

“As we are now more of an established business, we wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way and think the Water Lily Project is a great cause.”

Emma Evans, who runs the workout community for women, mainly mums S.L.A.M Bournemouth, said: “A few years ago I pointed one of my ladies to Water Lily and the charity really helped her to rebuild her life.

“The work it does is vital and we’re so pleased to give back.”

Liz Carter, Water Lily Project Manager said: “When we launched the 10:10 pledge, we were very aware that it has also been a tough time for many businesses so weren’t sure of the response we would get.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Dorset business community and would like to thank everyone who has pledged their support and helped us reach our target before the end of our tenth anniversary year.”

Three further anonymous donations have also been received.

As a result the charity has decided to extend the pledge for the rest of the year with the aim to round the total up to reach £2,000 and allow it to help even more women.

• If you can donate £100 to provide ten hours of support to a local woman in crisis, please contact marketing@waterlilyproject.org.uk