SOUTH Hill Park Arts Centre hosted the seventh annual Bracknell Together Walk (BTW), with the sun shining on the 140 walkers (and their dogs) as they stepped out for their chosen charities.
The walk, organised by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead, has become a regular fundraiser for local charities.
It offers two routes and is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
An easy wheelchair-friendly 5k route takes walkers around the grounds of South Hill Park, while a more challenging 10k forest trail dips into Swinley Forest.
This year’s event was kicked off by MP for Bracknell Forest Peter Swallow, and Bracknell Town Mayor Kathleen Nugent, who was walking to support her chosen charity, the Wayz Youth Club.
Bracknell Together Walk organiser, Mike O’Donovan, said: “This was the best and biggest yet, with a record number of participants.
“Teams from Bracknell, Wokingham and Reading all walked together to have fun and raise funds for their chosen good cause.”
Fourteen charities from across Bracknell, Wokingham and Reading took part, with groups walking for: Wokingham Foodbank, Youthline Bracknell Forest, Power of Parenting, Sing Healthy Choirs, Citizens Advice, Bad Hogs, The Ark Trust, Gibson’s Go Getters, The Wayz, Home-Start, South Hill Park, Dementia UK and Promise Inclusion, as well as Stepping Stones DS.
Organisers anticipate that up to £5,000 has been raised.
Zoe Sutton was diagnosed with Down syndrome when she was three.
Her mum, Sarah, volunteers with Stepping Stones DS, a charity that helps children and young people with Down syndrome to fulfil their potential.
Sarah thanked walk organisers, the Rotary Club of Easthampstead, saying: “The Stepping Stones DS team had a really great time.
“Thanks for organising such a fabulous event – we’ll be back next year.”
Before they set off, walkers were able to have their faces decorated by Megan Kerry.
Afterwards, they each received a certificate, followed by an opportunity to enjoy a bacon roll and refreshments from South Hill Park caterers Peas & Carrots.
Organisers thank Megan Kerry for her face painting, Tesco for filling the group’s goody bags, Peas & Carrots for catering, and event sponsors Duncan Yeardley Estate Agents and The Village Hotel Bracknell for their kind support.
For information, visit: bracknelltogetherwalk.org, steppingstonesds.co.uk, and rotary-ribi.org.
