Adam Henson backs Meningitis Now's Five Valleys Walk

Adam, co-director of Cotswold Farm Park near Stow-on-the-Wold, is encouraging people from Gloucestershire and further afield to sign up for our Five Valleys Walk this year, which returns for its 32nd outing on Sunday 29 September.

A prior engagement will prevent the highly-regarded and popular presenter being present himself on the day but, as a keen supporter of our work, Adam is keen to help spread the word and encourage as many people as possible to take part.

Adam has followed our work since his good friends Rod and Anna Adlington lost their 3-year-old son Barney to meningitis in 2005. Rod has since been one of our Trustees and his son Toby is a Young Ambassador, actively promoting our activities and raising awareness. 

Adam told us, “I have seen for myself the devastation that meningitis causes."

Fight back with a great day out

“What better way to fight back against it whilst having a great day out than by taking part in this glorious walk around the beautiful Cotswold countryside?"

“Every step will help raise vital awareness and funds for research and support that will make a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it."

“The Five Valleys Walk is a great day out in the countryside and really does help Meningitis Now move closer to its vision, where no one dies from meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need  Please join in if you can.” 

(Adam on his regular early morning stroll with his dogs (from left to right): Peg, Minnie in Adam’s arms, Boo and Olive)

The whole walk is a challenge

The Five Valleys Walk follows a beautiful 21-mile route through the hills and valleys that surround our Head Office in Stroud in Gloucestershire.

Parts of the route are steep and to take on the whole walk is a challenge, even for those like Adam and his canine companions who walk regularly. But the beauty of this walk is that you don’t have to do the full circuit.

Pick your starting point, and do as much of the eight stages as you want to. Then, when you’ve had your fill, pop on a Stagecoach courtesy bus which will deliver you back to your starting point.

Last year nearly 2,000 walkers raised over £50,000 towards our lifesaving and life-changing work. With Adam’s backing we’re hoping to better that this year. 

“We’re really grateful to Adam for his support again this year,” said Meningitis Now's Community Fundraising Manager and event organiser Leah Wynn. “It will be lovely to welcome back our regular walkers from near and far and everyone who wants to join them – including all our four-legged friends, of course.”

Adam has also kindly donated a voucher for a family visit to Cotswold Farm Park and a signed copy of his book ‘A Farmer and his Dog’. These will be included in the raffle held on the day of the walk. So, if you needed a further incentive to join us, there it is. 

We hope to see you there!

Find out more and book your place on our Five Valleys Walk web page.