A new survey finds that than 1 in 3 (29%) of the London adult population walk every day in winter – and astonishingly 10% never go for a walk. The research, from Walking Home For Christmas, the annual Christmas fundraising campaign run by military veteran support charity, Walking With The Wounded, also found that 72% of us watch TV at Christmas, compared to 51% who go for that traditional walk after dinner.

But when it comes to improving health and wellbeing, 15% would consider trying to go on a regular walk – compared to nearly a quarter (21%) interested in group fitness classes and 1 in 5 (21%) who would think about joining a gym.

Walking really is the most accessible form of exercise for those who are able to, and has become a regular part of many people’s lives, spurred on by it being one of the only activities we were able to do during lockdown. Never before had ‘going for a walk’ become such an activity.
But it seems from this new research that the regularity and desire to walk has waned. Walking Home For Christmas is hoping to reignite that passion.
This winter, thousands of people will be Walking Home For Christmas in support of armed forces veterans across the country. The campaign, which runs from 9 to 20 December, is Walking With The Wounded’s annual nationwide fundraising walking challenge to support its work across mental health, employment, volunteering and care coordination.
Whether it’s a short walk a day, a commitment to walk 26 miles over the 12 days, or joining one of the organised walks in London, Newcastle and Manchester on 9 December, there are so many ways to take part. Some choose to walk alone, others get together with friends and family – all do it to raise money for veterans.
And some do outstanding feats of mental and physical endurance. Andy, a former military police officer, will be walking 350 kilometres from the Cenotaph in London to Manchester Cenotaph. He aims to complete this extraordinary challenge in just five days, leaving London on 5 December and arriving in Manchester on 9 December.
Andy says: “I didn’t want to just pay lip service to mental health. I wanted to do something that demonstrates just how important I think it is. Leaving the forces and adjusting to civilian can be hard, and many former military personnel struggle with mental health and readjustment. We need to support those who are finding it tough, and I’m pleased to be doing my bit to raise funds and awareness to do so.”

Adventurous ambassador Levison Wood is a world-renowned explorer, writer & photographer and spent a number of years as a Regular Officer in the British Parachute Regiment, where he served in Afghanistan fighting against Taliban insurgents in Helmand and Kandahar. His military services has seen him deploy on operations and exercises on five continents.

He says to anyone considering the challenge: “Just do it! It doesn’t need to be a huge journey. Even going on a short walk can be hugely beneficial to your mental wellbeing. Remember to look around you while you’re walking, take notice of the small things and try to be present in the moment. You might find that you see place that you normally zip past in a car in a whole new way. Whatever your walking challenge is, I promise you that you will feel great for it.”

Shaun Franklin benefited from therapy and support from the charity after struggling with a lack of purpose after leaving the Grenadier Guards. He says “I think that was a huge turning point. It made me realize okay, everything I’m going through, is changeable. I trusted the process, even though it was hard, and knew I wouldn’t be fixed overnight. As well as all the programmes such as volunteering, mental health and employment, most importantly they give you that sense of purpose back in your life. Challenges like Walking Home For Christmas is purpose driven – it gives you a focus to help people. Let’s rally together.”
An estimated 5 million veterans live in the UK. While most of the 15,000+ personnel who leave the forces each year have a successful transition to civilian life, a small but significant minority do not. Walking With The Wounded supports those who served, and their families, to thrive.
Find out more and sign up at www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com