Around 100 intrepid fundraisers braved some classic English weather on Sunday 13 May to participate in the annual Waterside Walk in aid of Norwood, a leading UK charity that supports children and families with learning disabilities or coping with social difficulties. Despite incessant rain, they raised more than £20,000 by walking 10 miles from Kew Gardens to Hampton Court, with many participants tackling a 20-mile route by walking back to Kew! The walk, which followed the Thames towpath, took in some of the most beautiful sights in London, including Sion House in Richmond and Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII.
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A key feature of Norwood’s Challenge events is the inclusion of service users with learning disabilities who take part – and this event was no different, with service users converging on the Thames from as far afield as Berkshire and Essex. They were joined by several members of Norwood staff, including Directors Philip Bunt, Judith Katzler and David Harris, as well as a host of other Norwood supporters.
Audrey Pinner and her friend Roz Nineberg, both from Elstree, have completed the London Marathon for Norwood in the past, so it was no surprise that they were the first walkers to complete the route, coming home in a time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes. Audrey said: “It was great fun for a great cause. It was very wet, but when you are raising money for a worthy charity like Norwood, it gives you something to focus on. It also rained the last time I ran the London Marathon – I haven’t had the best luck with weather!”
Ian Tate, Norwood’s Head of Challenges, said: “Our walkers showed real determination to finish the course in spite of the adverse weather. Everybody stayed positive in the knowledge that they were fundraising for a fantastic cause. The money they have raised will help support the needs of children and families in our Community,”
This year, Norwood is offering its fundraisers a varied calendar of sporting events including domestic and international bike rides, golf days and marathons. For further information about any Norwood Challenges, or to register, contact the Norwood Challenges Team on 020 8420 6834, email challenges@norwood.org.uk or log on to www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
