Nearly 100 people came together in Haywards Heath on Saturday 5 September for Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity’s annual sponsored walk, Walk Together, raising almost £18,000 for children under 5 with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments.
Starting and finishing in Victoria Park, walkers enjoyed glorious sunshine as they took on one of three options: a fully accessible 5k route, a 15k mixed-terrain trek or a shorter sensory Bear Hunt around the park for younger children and families.
The event was particularly special this year as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity has helped young children develop vital physical, communication and social skills, while providing invaluable support to their families.
Participants included families and friends of children who attend the charity, alongside teams from local businesses and organisations including Haywards Heath Spinal Health Clinic and Kingsley Napley.
The charity would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Irwin Mitchell, whose generous sponsorship helped make the event possible. Members of the Irwin Mitchell team also joined the charity in Victoria Park and took part in the walk.
Walkers returned to a delicious free barbecue generously provided by Rapid Relief UK, creating a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, celebrate their achievements and welcome participants back across the finish line.
Thanks also go to Folkingtons Authentic Juices and Mixers for generously providing a selection of delicious juices and pressés, helping to keep everyone refreshed and fuelled throughout the day.
Glenys Creese, Chief Executive of Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, said:
“What a truly special day Walk Together was. Seeing almost 100 people come together during our 25th anniversary year to support our children and families meant so much to us all.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have raised almost £18,000, and we are incredibly grateful to every walker, fundraiser, volunteer and organisation that helped make the event possible. As a small charity receiving no statutory funding, support like this is vital and helps us continue providing our specialist services completely free of charge.
“We are so grateful to Irwin Mitchell for sponsoring the event, Rapid Relief Team for providing the fantastic barbecue, and Folkingtons for keeping our walkers refreshed. We simply could not hold events like this without the generosity of our wonderful community.”
The routes were supported by a dedicated team of volunteer marshals, who helped guide walkers safely and offered plenty of encouragement along the way. The charity would also like to thank everyone who volunteered before, during and after the event, from setting up Victoria Park and welcoming walkers to marshalling the routes and helping with the Bear Hunt.
Every pound raised through Walk Together will help Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity continue providing specialist, life-changing support to children under five, helping them work towards milestones such as sitting independently, communicating with their families and taking their first steps.
Anyone wishing to support the charity and help the total grow can make a donation through the link on this page or by getting in touch here:
01444 473274
[email protected]
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