Some 2,000 people and hundreds of dogs stepped out for our annual Five Valleys Walk, in partnership with Connexus, in gorgeous sunny weather at the weekend
Many dressed in orange – our corporate colour – for the 21-mile walk through the beautiful Cotswold scenery, with the wonderful weather creating a festival atmosphere.
Although sponsorship money has still to be collected and counted it is hoped the walk will raise about £40,000 to help us fight meningitis on all fronts – through research, awareness and support.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who turned out on Sunday to help us raise awareness of meningitis and funds to combat it – it’s events like this that enable us to make such a difference to those who need us."
Lifesaving and life-changing services
“Without the support of all our walkers we simply wouldn’t be able to achieve what we do and offer our lifesaving and life-changing services."
“Thanks in part to the lovely weather we enjoyed on the day we saw plenty of people taking part, many with very moving reasons for doing so. Everything passed off smoothly and we hope they all had a good experience and will be back next year."
“I’d also like to thank all the volunteers who helped us again this year, providing First Aid support, ferrying people back to their start point and running the checkpoints, ensuring everything went smoothly.”
Emily Millington, Five Valleys Walk manager
The family, fun-filled day saw a nature trail on the route to Nailsworth with young explorers challenged to spot a range of animals and natural objects. Elsewhere, the route was lined with a variety of food and drink stalls, musicians and face painters, with Giffords Circus setting up their big top at Fennels Farm.
Hot air balloon flight
This year’s top individual fundraiser stands to win a champagne hot air balloon flight courtesy of Meningitis Now corporate partner Bristol Balloons.
Connexus, the leading supplier of business telecoms and IT solutions, was this year’s main sponsor.
“We are delighted to be able to support the walk in our 10th anniversary year.”
Gulam Patel, Managing Director
Other main sponsors included Renishaw and Stagecoach West, who again ran their shuttle bus service between the walk’s nine checkpoints.
