Those who took part experienced a great day of walking, entertainment and local food. They could choose how far they wanted to walk, covering anything from 1.5 miles to the full 21 mile route, and took a free bus back to their starting point when they’d had enough.
One of the walkers, Sal, shared, “I’ve done the Five Valleys Walk around eight times, starting at least ten years ago. It’s on our calendar every year, it’s one of my favourite things and every year I bring a different group of people and it’s just a wonderful, wonderful charity. It’s a beautiful day and the countryside is always stunning.”
Local businesses joined along the route, providing snacks and drinks, and the Meningitis Now team were ready to welcome walkers at Stroud Cricket Club with hot food and drink.
A group of friends walking the route also shared; “We do it for charity but it’s also a challenge and a social gathering as well. We are doing it in memory of one of my friends who passed away seven years ago. I’ve done the walk ever since then.”
Raise vital funds and awareness
We estimate across the UK 22 people a day get meningitis so every Five Valleys walker was asked to raise a minimum of £22 in sponsorship or to donate £22. The walkers certainly achieved this - and more - as so far they have raised an incredible £42,000!
The money raised from the walk will help us move ever closer to our target of beating meningitis in the UK within a generation, raise vital awareness and funds for research and support that will make a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Five Valleys Walk this year!
And thank you to everyone who has donated raffle prizes and of course Stagecoach buses and all the event and checkpoint sponsors, especially Renishaw and Bluestone Insurance Services, for their support of this year’s event.
To learn more about our fundraising events check out our website.
