Kentish Express Ashford & District
Walkers mark 20 years
Walkers were going for gold on Sunday helping to raise £20,000 at the recordbreaking 20th anniversary KM Charity Walk.
More than 400 participants stepped out for 20 good causes with walkers donning yellow or gold clothing in keeping with the anniversary theme.
The fundraising total has smashed last year’s event which raised £4,500.
Charities getting a welcome funding boost include this paper’s charity of the year Guide Dogs for the Blind, Kent Scouts, Porchlight, Pilgrims Hospices, Kent Search and Rescue and British Lung Foundation.
Participants included Shirley and Philip Missing from Egerton who took part in the event for fun. Martyn Hughes and Cliff Jennings from New Romney who supported Macmillan Cancer Care and John and Imelda Simpson from Tenterden who raised funds for Shelter.
Mote House in Maidstone provided the start and end point for the five and 10-mile circular routes.
A garden party with barbecue and a trio of musicians entertained the triumphant walkers after they collected their medals and goody bags.
Organiser Sophie Wallace of the KM Charity Team thanked Specsavers, Cotswold Outdoor Maidstone, Maidstone Ramblers, Mote House and Warburtons for backing the event, adding: “The day had a fantastic atmosphere with a large turnout of happy walkers supporting many good causes.”