As it celebrates its 25th anniversary year, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity is inviting the local community to come together for Walk Together 2026, raising vital funds for children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments across the South East.
Taking place on Saturday 5 September, the charity’s second annual Walk Together event will start from Victoria Park in Haywards Heath and offers participants the opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk through Haywards Heath and Bolnore Village while supporting a life-changing cause. Last year’s event raised an incredible £20,000, helping to fund specialist therapies and support for children and families. This year, the charity hopes to raise even more to meet growing demand for its services.
Walk Together was created to reflect the significance of walking as a milestone for many of the children who attend DVLCC’s sessions. For families of children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments, taking a first step can represent years of hard work, determination, and specialist support. Every pound raised through the event helps children achieve goals once thought impossible, whether that’s taking their first steps, sitting independently, communicating for the first time, or developing the confidence and skills to participate more fully in everyday life.
Participants can choose between two routes. A 5km accessible walk through Bolnore Village is ideal for families, pushchairs, and wheelchair users, while a 15km mixed-terrain trek through Ashenground and Bolnore Woods offers a greater challenge for those looking to push themselves. Both routes start and finish at Victoria Park and provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the local countryside, meet new people, and support a worthy cause. This year, we are also adding a fully accessible, family friendly Bear Hunt.
Entry is just £20 per adult, £5 per child and £2 for the Bear Hunt. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome, making it a fantastic day out for the whole family. At the finish line, participants can enjoy a free BBQ and refreshments provided by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), and every paying participant will receive a commemorative medal to celebrate their achievement.
Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations to provide its services free of charge to families. It costs more than £700,000 each year to deliver specialist support to children and families across the South East.
Participants are encouraged to raise £150 in sponsorship, enough to help fund a specialist physiotherapy session. These sessions help children build strength, improve mobility, and work towards important developmental milestones, while also equipping parents and carers with techniques and exercises they can continue at home.
DVLCC is proud to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive community for children and families. Every pound raised through Walk Together helps more children access life-changing early intervention and gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Not a walker? The charity is also looking for volunteers to help with stewarding and event support on the day. To find out more, contact Anya Irvine at [email protected].
For further information, please visit the charity’s website www.dvlcc.org.uk or contact the fundraising team at [email protected] or 01444 473274.