Walkers raise record £35k to aid homeless
Walkers have raised a record-breaking £35,000 with their latest trek around Bath’s countryside.
The sponsored circular walk, which celebrated its 19th year, saw families, friends and colleagues taking in Bath’s countryside and surrounding villages.
Most of the 450 people who took part on Sunday, September 27 completed the full 20-mile route to raise vital funds for Julian House.
Senior community and events fundraiser Jessica Gay said: “We are so pleased that so many people took part in the event and the 20-mile walking challenge.
“This year has been so difficult for many, and for that reason, we are even more grateful to see such support.
“Due to coronavirus, Julian House has had to cancel or postpone all of our other fundraising events for the year and until recently we had closed our charity shops and bike workshops, which will result in a massive loss of over £200,000 to our income.
“This year we put in many essential
Covid measures to keep our walkers, volunteers and staff safe during the event and we are pleased it ran very smoothly and participants really enjoyed the day.
“We had brilliant support from families, and friends in their support bubbles, as well as those from local businesses including colleagues from Actual Experience, MEA Consult and Bristol University Press, who were taking part with colleagues that they haven’t seen for six months.”
Mark Saint, director at MEA, said: “In a first-world economy/country, housing should be a human right. The system has failed and, sadly, we see evidence of that every day in Bath.
“The work of Julian House in supporting these individuals is commendable.”
Jessica said: “It’s a fantastic achievement that 80 per cent of all who attended completed the full 20 miles! But no matter what distance they completed; it was the taking part that really mattered. Because of that, together they have raised an amazing £35,000!
“This is a record figure for our Circuit of Bath Walk and will make a huge difference in helping keep our lifesaving services running.”