Sunday 2nd April 2023 saw the Birmingham Walkathon make its return, 10 years since last taking place in the city.
Birmingham based charity, Help Harry Help Others joined forces with former BRMB Director and original event visionary, David Bagley, to bring back the famous event, which saw almost 1000 Brummies sign up to pound the pavements, raising much needed funds for local charities including Help Harry Help Others, Birmingham Children's Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, All Making A Difference and Birmingham Mind.
The idea to revive the popular Birmingham Walkathon came from Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others; the cancer support charity which was initially created by local lad Harry Moseley who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2011, aged just 11 years old. Harry wanted to bring people together and make a difference to all those affected by cancer. Harry's Mom, Georgie made Help Harry Help Others a registered charity in 2012 and it continues to support cancer patients and their families today.
Community organisation GoodGym, warmed up the crowds, getting them ready to take on their steps and complete their choice of walk — be that the full 26 miles, starting or finishing at either Kings Heath Park or Rookery Park, the 11 mile half route, or the new fully inclusive one, three, five, or 10 laps around Kings Heath Park.
The Walkathon, which first started in 1983 and last took place in 2013, has seen walkers, sponsors and supporters raise over £70,000 so far for the 2023 foundation year walk, which aims to bring the Walkathon back as a fundraising event.
Georgie Moseley, of Help Harry Help Others, said: “I’m so proud to see the wonderful people of Birmingham turn up and put their best foot forward to help support some fantastic, local charities. The last few years have been particularly difficult for many charities across the city, so to be able to bring back a much-loved event like the Walkathon, means everything to me and those that rely on the support of these amazing charities. Harry would have loved today. He was a proud Brummie boy who loved his city and anything that brought its people together.”
David Bagley continues: “I’m delighted to see the return of the Walkathon and to be a part of this wonderful event, 40 years since it first started. The atmosphere and support has been incredibly uplifting and I’m delighted that this will now become a regular event that the people of Birmingham can come together for.”
For anyone who would like to donate or volunteer for any of these local charities, they can find out more at: brumwalkathon.co.uk
Instagram/Facebook/Instagram: @brumwalkathon.
