SILHILIANS are being called on to put their best foot forward and step out in the name of charity and join the Birmingham Walkathon for the first time in almost a decade.
Walkers will be supporting Help Harry Help Others (HHHO) which was created by inspirational Sheldon youngster Harry Moseley, who died in 2011 at the age of just 11 after a four-year battle with a brain tumour and his work continued after his death as his mum, Georgie took up the baton and founded the charity.
will also be raising funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, All Making A Difference and Birmingham Mind.
Walkers can take part in a number of routes on April 2, a 26-mile on which follows the full route of the number 11 bus from Kings Heath Park or Rookery Park or a chance to walk up to 11 miles by completing up to five laps of Kings Heath Park.
The event initially started in 1983 was a popular event before taking a break in 2013 with an average on 10,000 people taking part annually and £5million raised to date.
Georgie Moseley, Harry’s mum and founder of HHHO, said “An event like the Birmingham Walkathon is exactly what HHHO is about and a fabulous way to honour my Harry.
“The aim of the Walkathon is to re-engage the community, boost community spirit, support post pandemic mental health issues and raise much needed funds; not only for HHHO but other amazing West Midlands charities too.”
The Walkathon, which was created by David Bagley, also aims to reduce isolation and tackle loneliness, by creating a ‘Buddy check in area’ for people attending alone.
The specially developed area means those individuals can meet others in the same situation and hopefully walk together and form lifelong friendships.
The inaugural Walkathon had over 25,000 people taking part, raising a substantial £250,000 for the Birmingham Mencap charity.
This enabled the charity to refurbish two properties into full-time residential facilities, helping to improve the lives of a number of mentally and physically challenged youngsters.
David Bagley said: “I’m delighted to see the Walkathon coming back to Birmingham and to be a part of this wonderful event once again, especially at a time when charities like HHHO need to raise funding more than ever.
“Birmingham is filled with fabulous communities and I can’t wait to see them come together and achieve something that will have such a positive impact.”
For more or to get involved visit www.brumwalkathon.co.uk.
