300 Helping Herts walkers help to raise £80,000 for 12 child-focused charities

The annual Great Big Walk for Herts that took place on the last Saturday in September is set to raise £80,000 for 12 child-focused charities in the county.

Around 300 people took part in the event, organised by Bishop’s Stortford-based charity Helping Herts, generating an impressive £73,594, with more donations yet to come.

With walkers aged from 10 to 80, each of the 12 charities took on a leg of the 194-mile (312km) Hertfordshire Way, a circular walk around the county. In total, participants covered around 160 miles. The Friends of the Hertfordshire Way supported the event and provided guides for every leg.

The leg that started in Bishop’s Stortford was in aid of Grove Cottage, the home of Mencap in the town.

The 11 other charities that will benefit are: Hertfordshire Mind Network, Home-Start Herts, Herts Young Homeless, The OLLIE Foundation, Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Adults, Playskill, Coram Life Education, Space Hertfordshire, For Baby’s Sake, CHEXS and Keech Hospice Care.

Helping Herts is the official charity of Stort Valley Rotary Club. Gordon Morrison, co-founder of Helping Herts, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together for such a great cause.

“The sense of community and the energy on the day was incredible, and the funds raised will help ensure that our charities can continue their vital work.

“With over £70,000 raised and donations still coming in, we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Gordon’s co-founder, Jim Tatchell, added: “It was a lovely day to be out walking with our team and charity partners, knowing we were all working together for such a meaningful cause.

“The Hertfordshire Way gave us some stunning views and it was a great reminder of what’s so special about our county.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who made this event possible – from the volunteers who gave their time to the sponsors who supported us. We’re already looking forward to next year and hope to raise even more for these fantastic charities.”

To donate, see https://thegreatbigwalkforherts2024.heroes.help/campaigns/Helping-Herts5