Hundreds sign up for Bridgnorth Walk fundraiser
Hundreds of people have already signed up for Bridgnorth’s biggest fundraising event of the year, with just over a week to go before entries close.
The Bridgnorth Walk, now named Bridgnorth Lions Walk attracts hundreds of people to the town each May and regularly raises more than £100,000 for different charity.
More than 600 people have already signed up for the 51st walk on May 29, including people from Australia, America, Germany and Italy, as well as all over the Midlands.
Among those who have entered, about a third are walking for a local cause – a six-year-old Bridgnorth boy who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Rupert Beckett, a student at Castlefields Primary School, was diagnosed with stage-four high-risk neurblastoma at the age of three and has already had two years of chemotherapy, but now needs treatment in America, totalling £750,000.
The community has rallied together and in just a couple of months, has hit 10 per cent of the target – £75,000.
Now 180 walkers have signed up to walk the 22-mile stretch for Rupert’s Revenge, and Rupert’s aunt Liz Beckett said she hopes she can push it to 200 people on the day, which will be the biggest team in the walk’s history.
She said: “We had an absolutely massive weekend for Rupert’s Revenge last week and raised £35,000, hitting £75,000 altogether. It’s unbelievable.” Peter Parker, president of Bridgnorth Lions Club, said: “It’s going brilliantly, we’ve got 500 senior walkers and 100 junior walkers.
“Everything is in place now. We’re having a meeting this week with all the volunteers, we’re all systems go, it’s fantastic.
“We’re on target for the about the same number as previous years.”
Chris Aked, chairman of operations committee of Bridgnorth Lions, said: “The entries close the week before the event.
“We’re very encouraged by the response after the Lions has taken it over. We’re trying to bring new things in to what is already a very established and successful event.
“People do say it is one of the best community events anywhere.
“We’ve got a lot of concessions in the High Street on the day, food and drink and other things, so we’re hoping for thousands to turn out to support the walkers and stay in the High Street.
“Additionally, the Lions has raised several thousands of pounds through sponsorship to go towards the charity fund.
“Rupert’s Revenge is planning a very big number of people to walk.”
Rupert’s Revenge Walk team manager, Kelly Woodcock, said seasoned fundraiser and walker Puffina, aka Dana Power, will be walking this year for Rupert’s Revenge, as will a huge amount of pupils and parents from Castlefields School, including the headteacher and Rupert the Bear.
People interested in joining the team can call Ms Woodcock on 07929 889375.
Entries for the walk close on May 22.
For more information visit bridgnorthwalk.org
