Walk for Hope is back in real life!
We’re delighted to announce that our flagship fundraising event, Walk for Hope, returns to Burley Park in the New Forest in real life on Sunday 26 September. We’re looking for 400 walkers to step out and raise vital funds for local people living with cancer.
You can do your bit by signing up to walk five, ten or 20 miles. You can do it alone or with friends and family and at your own pace, making it the perfect event for supporters of all ages and abilities.
Our CEO, Rachel Billsberry-Grass, says Walk for Hope will be extra special this year:
“This is our fifth Walk for Hope and it’ll be a poignant day; both because we turn 40 this year and because we’re so thrilled we’ll be able to come together in person again after last year’s virtual event. The peace and beauty of the New Forest make it a fitting setting to give hope to friends and family undergoing cancer treatment, to remember loved ones and to support everyone living with cancer. If you prefer, you can still do the Walk for Hope your way, from home. And if you’d like to dress up in 80s clothes to help celebrate our 40th birthday we’d love that too. Please join us to make our 2021 Walk for Hope the biggest and best yet!”
If walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available – from laying out signage to handing out water and snacks.
“Walk for Hope gave me a focus”
Philip Dinn from Brockenhurst walked ten miles as part of a group from New Forest Rotary at the 2020 event and raised £500. Philip was supported by Wessex Cancer Support’s Waterside support centre after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.
Philip and his wife Fiona
He says Walk for Hope gave him a focus:
“From experience, I know that when you’re diagnosed with cancer it’s important to find something that can take you from your lowest ebb to being filled with hope for the future. Wessex Cancer Support does that with the support it provides in its local communities, and the team has been working harder than ever to keep that support going throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking part in Walk for Hope over the years has really helped me focus on getting well during my recovery period.”
Irwin Mitchell is headline sponsor for the event
They said:
“Irwin Mitchell has been proud lead sponsor of Walk for Hope since its launch in 2017 and we are delighted to be sponsoring the event once again in 2021. Charities need support now more than ever and so we are looking forward to helping Wessex Cancer Support raise much needed funds so they can continue to support those who benefit from their service in the local community.”
What you get
You’ll receive an official Walk for Hope t-shirt, sponsorship forms and all the training and event information you’ll need for the day. After being cheered over the finish line, you’ll be presented with a medal and will be able to celebrate with a slice of 40th birthday cake.
What it costs
Tickets are £25 for adults, £15 for under 16s, £85 for a team of four adults and £5 for dogs. There is a minimum sponsorship goal of £100 for the five-mile route, and £150 for the ten and 20-mile routes. Click here for more information and to sign up.