Get moving and raise money for charity at the same time
There’s no better way to make the most of the arrival of summer than by getting outdoors and it’s also a great opportunity to up the amount of exercise you’re doing. Charities seem to be well aware of this and are capitalising on it by organising a range of fantastic walks across the UK to raise funds for their vital causes.
It’s a lot easier than organising your own event – generally all you have to do is sign up, pester your friends, family and colleagues for donations and put on your trainers – plus you can see some wonderful places and maybe even make some new friends along the way. The way we see it, nothing says feel good factor quite like going for a stroll while also raising money for charity, so we’ve compiled a few for you to try out.
WALK IN HER SHOES
If you’re looking for a small challenge that’s easy to fit in to your daily life and raises money for a great cause, then CARE International’s Walk In Her Shoes is ideal. The aim is to walk 10,000 steps a day for a week (between Monday 8th – Friday 14th May 2017) and raise £100 which will go towards providing clean and safe water to communities living in poverty across the world. The burden of collecting water often falls on women and girls, and not only is it dangerous, but it’s also stopping them from getting an education. Go on, you can do it! careinternational.org.uk
SHINE LONDON
Have you thought about doing a half or full marathon but are worried about running that far? Well, Cancer Research UK is giving you the opportunity to stroll the distance during a night walk in the capital on Saturday 23rd September 2017 and fundraise for the charity. While it’s certainly no mean feat – it’s estimated that a marathon takes approximately nine hours of power walking to complete – you won’t be alone and it’s a great way to discover London at night. So, don your glow sticks and fluorescent leg warmers and get marching! cancerresearchuk.org
GLASGOW TO EDINBURGH TREK
Fancy taking on one of Scotland’s toughest hikes and helping to fight heart disease? If walking all the way between the country’s two largest cities is a little daunting, then fear not – you can choose to do a day trek from Glasgow to Linlithgow (57k) or a night trek from Linlithgow to Edinburgh (43k) as well as the full route (100k). During the British Heart Foundation’s event (taking place between Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd July 2017) you’ll catch beautiful scenery, world famous landmarks and breath-taking views, and the entry fee includes some great benefits including a free sports massage and hot showers at the finish. It’s not one to miss! bhf.org.uk
WALKING OUT OF DARKNESS
On Saturday 13th May 2017, Rethink Mental Illness will be hosting a 10 mile walk through London to raise funds to help people living with mental health problems. The charity supports almost 60,000 people every year across England to cope in crises, live independently and realise that they are not alone and runs over 200 mental health services and 150 support groups. The event will start and end in Battersea Park and takes in landmarks such as the London Eye, the Shard and the Tower of London – why not bring a friend to show them the sights? rethink.org
Article by
Emily McMullin
Article by
Emily McMullin