We Stepped Out for Age UK Plymouth!

Early on Sunday 1^st October a river of green trailed out of the city as almost 100 walkers set off from Coypool raising money for Age UK Plymouth, who support over 50s in the city with a range of free and subsidised services, activities and events.

The route, which takes in stunning views across Dartmoor and the South Hams was suitably atmospheric with a beautiful autumnal mist sitting low amongst the tree tops. As participants left Plymouth heading north through Plymbridge Woods they crossed several viaduct bridges, gently climbing 1,780ft over 6 ½ miles towards Clearbrook Village Hall. After refreshments and a short rest, they headed back to towards Plymouth, immersed in the woodland and wildlife, passing the home of National Trust Plymbridge Woods’ Peregrine Falcon conversation project. As the walk follows a former Great Western Railway track, the trail is relatively flat and peppered with breath taking feats of Victorian engineering including Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 300 yard Leighbeer Tunnel, carved from solid rock. 

“A group of us in the Sahara Trek Team walked this trail earlier in the year as a chance to get to know each other. It occurred to us that as an opportunity to create a more accessible flagship fundraising event, the path lent itself perfectly to a Half Marathon Walk, especially with the village hall at the half way point,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Bryony Rawson. “Our various fundraising challenges have been so well supported by so many people, but it’s really important for us to have an opportunity for those who wish to take part in an event to have an option that is more accessible, and held in the community that we support.”

“Our thanks go out to the organisations we worked with to make this event possible, the teams at National Trust Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth City Council and Clearbrook Village Hall,” said Tara Dale, Head of Fundraising. “Our fundraisers ranged in age from 12 to walkers in their 70s. It was very moving to see people taking on this challenge side by side with their friends, colleagues, parents and grandparents. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for your support.”

Some walkers have been in preparation for months, gearing up to the challenge with walks and special training, and were spurred on by a special message of support from Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport:

“Good luck to all the walkers taking part in the Age UK Plymouth fundraising walk tomorrow, it’s an incredible effort for people of all ages. All the money that will be raised will be staying in Plymouth helping support some of our brilliant folks who might need a little bit of extra support in Plymouth. Superb effort from everyone, good luck, remember to hydrate and enjoy yourselves!”

“The money donated through these fundraising activities is such an important part of what keeps charities like us going,” said David Wood, Age UK Plymouth CEO. “Unlike grants and money for specific projects, this ‘unrestricted funding’ allows us to take action on vital work with real urgency. Given the current social and economic climate, for some, the stakes have never been higher.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the walk this year. As an organisation, we couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated teams of volunteers and fundraisers. We’re delighted to announce that the Half Marathon Walk will be taking place again in 2024, and excited to say that we will be auctioning off the headline sponsorship of next years event at our Fundraising Banquet on Saturday 14^th October.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for an organisation to join forces with Age UK Plymouth and make a real difference to over 50s, those living with dementia and their carers in the city of Plymouth. Online bidding is live now for those who are unable to attend the banquet and will close at 15:00 on Saturday 14^th October.”

Donations are still pouring in after the walk, you can sponsor the teams either by donating at Local Giving or by texting STEPOUT to 70580, texts will cost the donation amount of £5 plus one standard network rate message.