Charity walk for hospice based in Sydenham and Orpington resumes after Covid interruption

One of South London’s long-established hospices is gearing up for the return of its popular Fun Walk fundraising event after a five-year absence.

Thousands of keen walkers and supporters are expected to take part on Sunday, May 12, on behalf of St Christopher’s Hospice, which has sites in Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham and at Caritas House, Tregony Road, Orpington.

Some walkers proudly walk in memory of loved ones with photos of them on their T-shirts, raising money for the charity. Others will don fancy dress.

The Fun Walk starts and finishes at Keston Common, Bromley, which hosts fairground stalls, children’s games, live music, refreshments and a dog show.

You can choose your distance of three, five, eight or 11-mile sponsored walks. Early birds can set-off from Keston Common from 9am, with the last recommended set-off time advised for 11am if you are undertaking the longer walk. It costs £15 to register as an adult or £5 for three-17-year-olds.

Walkers can sign up teams and will be given a dedicated online page where they can compete with others to see who can raise the most money.

A team of dedicated hospice nurses will be walking as a team on behalf of St Christopher’s.

The hospice hasn’t organised a Fun Walk for five years after the pandemic interrupted the event, which first took place in 1990 and raised £29,000.

Christine Davies, head of fundraising at St Christopher’s, said: “We’re so excited to return to Keston Common for the first Fun Walk since 2019 and welcome back thousands of our supporters from across South London.

“With no Fun Walk for five years, this year’s event is more important than ever to help us to raise vital funds to continue providing end-of-life care for people across South London.”

To sign up for St Christopher’s Fun Walk, visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/funwalk

Pictured top: Walkers recently took part in a promotional event at the park (Picture: St Christopher’s Hospice)