Nearly five hundred walkers took on the Circuit of Bath Walk last Sunday, 26th September, in aid of local charity Julian House.
Walkers taking on the Circuit of Bath | Photo courtesy of Julian House / COBW
The sponsored circular walk, now in its 20th year, saw families, friends and colleagues walking across 20 plus miles of Bath’s countryside.
Despite some steep ascents to Lansdown and the misleadingly named Little Solsbury Hill, most choose to complete the full route to raise vital funds and awareness for Julian House and the people in its services.
Event organiser Jessica Gay is delighted that so many people took part in the event.
She said: “This year we hosted the walk twice, in Spring and Autumn, to enable our wonderful supporters to experience the route in different ways.
“After the success of April, we were delighted to see another great turnout with many of our regulars taking part and lots of new faces too! It’s so powerful to see the community in action, coming together to do good and raise those vital funds and awareness for people in our services.
“While the pandemic is easing, our clients are still suffering from lasting feelings of anxiety and mental health issues. Thanks to our supporters, we’ll be there to help them.
Photo courtesy of Julian House / COBW
“We had brilliant support from families, and friends, as well as those from local businesses including colleagues from Curious Universe who raised over £2,500, Actual Experience, MEA, Agency UK and Pure Planet!”
Jessica added: “It’s a fantastic achievement that 75% of all who attended completed the full route! But no matter what distance they completed; it was the taking part that really mattered.
“Thanks to everyone who took part, we’re on target to raise £30,000. This will make a huge difference in helping keep our life-saving services running.
“The money raised will all go towards supporting vulnerable people and children, many of whom are experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic abuse. Our services not only save lives but are designed to change lives.
“This is why we put a huge emphasis on training, skills workshops, and growth development to help people within our care to gain confidence and rebuild their lives.
“Something that’ll prove incredibly vital in the times ahead.”
“Our thanks also go to everyone who made the event possible including the 70 volunteers, South West UK Virtual Lions Club, St Gregory’s School, Kingswood School, Bathscape, Cotswold National Landscape (whose volunteers helped signpost the route), Wessex 4×4 Responders, and the wonderful volunteers at Wooley, Southstoke Church and Newbridge and Oldfield School PTA who hosted their own cake and tea stall.”
A walker, who completed the full route added: “The Bath Walk was a fantastic day to be a part of, raising money for a brilliant charity with the added bonus of stunning views!
“The event was wonderfully well organised. Every penny raised goes to such an important cause and I’d really recommend to anyone who is thinking about taking part again.”
To find out more about the Circuit of Bath walk, and to join the waiting list for next year, head to www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk.
