Walk for Hope – Trail Raises Over £3,000 for The Children’s Society

More than 200 walkers donned their hiking boots to help raise funds to support vulnerable children.

The Berkhamsted Walk has been organised by The Children’s Society’s Berkhamsted Committee, a team of local community volunteers, since 1968.

But supporters of the national charity have faced a three-year wait since the last event, as the pandemic meant the walks in May 2020 and May 2021 had to be cancelled. They were delighted to be able to take part in the walk again on Sunday 8 May and raised an impressive £3,000 for The Children’s Society.

There were new routes this year, including a choice of three different distances: a six-mile family trail, 12-mile bluebell walk, and an 18-mile challenge, all through beautiful countryside.

Volunteer Clifford Hurst, Chair of the Berkhamsted committee, said: ‘It was wonderful to bring back the full Berkhamsted Walk after the pandemic. Over 200 walkers enjoyed fabulous, new, signed routes with checkpoints through the local countryside and the feedback from those taking part has been marvellous.

‘We are so pleased to have raised over £3,000 for The Children’s Society and the invaluable work they do supporting the young.

‘Thank you to Waitrose, who helped support our running costs and to all the volunteers without whom the walk would not be possible.’

The Children’s Society supports children including those in care, those who go missing from home, those at risk of sexual and criminal exploitation, those experiencing mental health issues and young refugees. It also campaigns for changes in policies and laws to benefit children and young people.

Hannah Ratcliffe, Community Relationship Manager for The Children’s Society in the East of England, said: ‘We have a number of services in the East of England which help children and young people and we are incredibly thankful to the Berkhamsted Committee volunteers for all their efforts in organising this event and the generous support of the local community. Without the incredible dedication of supporters like them we wouldn’t be able to make a difference to the lives of nearly so many disadvantaged children and offer them hope of a brighter future.’

You can find out more about the walk at berkhamstedwalk.com and about how to retrospectively sponsor walkers or make a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/berkhamsted-walk.

If you would like to express an interest in helping next year, please contact enquiries@berkhamstedwalk.com. There are a variety of different roles, from joining the committee to helping on the day. The 2023 walk will be held at a similar time of year, date to be confirmed.

For more information about The Children’s Society’s services in the East of England, visit childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/east.