Charities Launch Sponsored Waterside Walks
Leonard Cheshire Disability and The Waterways Trust have joined together to offer people a series of sponsored walks across England and Scotland on 12 and 13 September. As well as increasing awareness of disability and the many miles of accessible paths the waterways have to offer across Britain, ‘Waterwalks 2009’ aims to raise money for both charities and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Waterways Trust and Leonard Cheshire Disability Week.
The sponsored ‘Waterwalks 2009’ on offer for people of all abilities to sign up for are:
Saturday 12 September
• Droitwich, Junction Canal, Worcestershire;
• Foxton Locks, Grand Union Canal, Leicestershire; and
• Salterforth, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Yorkshire. Sunday 13 September
• Bradford-on-Avon, Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire;
• Edinburgh, Union Canal;
• Littleborough, Rochdale Canal, Greater Manchester; and
• Stoke Bruerne, Grand Union Canal, Northamptonshire. Jeanette Bates, Fund Raising Manager for Leonard Cheshire Disability, explains:
“It is widely recognised that taking part in outdoor activities can help to improve mental and physical health. As the canals provide an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife that surrounds them what could be better than signing up to a sponsored walk along one of the country’s historic canals. We want as many people as possible to sign up to join us to make it a fun event. “People can decide the pace they want to walk at and the duration they want to walk for. The longest walk is six miles but it would be possible for people to do one mile. There will be different activities along the routes – children can take part in a wildlife survey to identify water voles, dragonflies, butterflies and perhaps even a kingfisher, heron or otter. On some of the routes we’ll even have Morris dancers, wellie throwing competitions and live bands! To enter, all people have to do is raise £7.50 per person or £20 for a family.” Joanne Darlington, Development Director for The Waterways Trust, explains:
“We are delighted to be teaming up with Leonard Cheshire Disability to increase awareness of what our wonderful historic waterways have to offer people of all abilities and to raise much needed money towards their protection and improvement. We hope to raise in excess of £10,000 for both charities in this our first year and to increase that amount in years to come as the event becomes more established.” For more information about the walks, plus entry forms, call 08450 552195, email waterwalks@LCDisability.org or visit www.LCDisability.org/waterwalks ENDS For more press information & photos contact:
Leonard Cheshire Disability – Catherine Goodier T 020 324 20252 mob 07717 573060
The Waterways Trust - Debbie Walker T 01452 318208 mob 077486 40577 Notes to editors
Leonard Cheshire Disability supports over 21,000 disabled people in the UK and work in 54 countries. The charity campaigns for change and provides innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way. www.LCDisability.org The Waterways Trust is a national charity working in partnership with others to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK’s inland waterways. The Trust raises funds for waterway regeneration, conservation, recreation, community, arts, education and access projects. www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
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