Walking Home for Christmas, the annual nationwide fundraising walking challenge from veterans’ charity, Walking with the Wounded, has begun in earnest in London / Manchester / Newcastle today (9 December).

Over 200 people today stepped out into the cold to join the thousands across the country who are ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ this year. These group regional walks were new for 2022, and participants in London, Manchester and Newcastle have already raised more than £14,000. That total is set to grow over the coming days.

Each walk had two 10km legs, and participants had the option to join one or both, or walk as far as they felt able to.

Walkers in London met at 11am at the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial near Westminster. They headed west along the Thames Path (North Side) to Battersea Park and the Thames Path (South Side) before hitting the midway point at Wandsworth Bridge. At 2pm they began the second leg, again along the Thames Path (North Side) to Central London including Royal Hospital Chelsea, Buckingham Palace and Horseguards Parade, before finishing at the iconic Cenotaph.

Five-year-old twins, Mya and Ava Hughes from West Malling in Kent are the youngest supporters taking part in the Walking Home For Christmas fundraiser in support of armed forces veterans.

Whether it’s a short walk a day, a more challenging distance over the 12 days, or joining one of the organised walks on Friday 9 December, walkers can take part in a way that suits them. Some choose to walk alone, others get together with family, friends, or colleagues – all do it to raise money for veterans.
Mya and Ava are taking part in one of the regional walks, which are new for 2022. The walks in London, Manchester and Newcastle each have two 10km legs, and participants can join one or both, or walk as far as they feel able to. The first leg starts at 11am, and the second at 2pm.
The young fundraisers waled the final 5km of the London walk. They have already raised more than £700 against the target they have set for themselves of £750. Mya and Ava attend Kent College in Pembury and some of their friends and teachers have helped to boost their fundraising total.

Mya and Ava’s aunt, Sharon Hughes, who works for WWTW explained: “We have family members who served in the military so we really understand the need for the support provided by a charity like Walking With the Wounded.

“The girls’ dad took part in a boxing match this summer which raised £2000 for Walking With The Wounded and they said they would like to do some fundraising themselves so the walk is perfect for them. They were excited to be taking part and I’m extremely proud of what they’re doing.”

Shaun Franklin, from North Hants, who served for seven years in the Grenadier Guards in the British Army, joined the walkers and said “it’s such a great opportunity to get outside, get moving, and raise money for a wonderful charity who are doing amazing things to help people who have served. They’ve given so much, and we’re so grateful that the public are supporting them, especially in will be a very challenging winter for many.”

Between now and 20 December, thousands more people across the country will Walk Home For Christmas to raise money for WWTW’s mental health and employment support for former servicemen and women. Some will walk short distances every day, others will tackle longer walks with family or friends – all will do so to support military veterans.

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. WWTW supports those who served, and their families, to thrive.

Find out more and sign up at www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com