“Just A Perfect Day…” Good Causes Boosted As More Than 200 People Take Part In Charity Walk
Chester Business Club Charity Walk, Picture Charities ready for the walk. SW17092023.
MORE than 200 people stepped forward to take part in the Chester Business Club’s annual charity walk – helping provide a vital boost to local good causes.
Walkers young, old, and even four-legged, trekked across the city to support an event which will swell the coffers of many regional charities.
The event was back on September 17 after being rained off last year, and walkers setting off from the Race Course to tackle the six-mile course were blessed with sunshine.
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Those blue skies were still overhead when the speediest walkers crossed the finishing line about two hours later.
Reflecting on the event, Jan Chillery, the Chair of the Chester Business Club, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you – and well done – to everyone who took part in the walk. It was wonderful to see so many families taking part and to watch so many people walking to raise money for some amazing local charities. I’m already looking forward to next year’s walk.”
Two hundred and eight people entered the event, including 22 walkers who turned up on the day to register.
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Event organiser Fraser Crewe said: “It was obvious how important this event is to individual charities, they really do feel part of it. The majority of people departed saying ‘see you next year’ which is wonderful. Even the sun shone so it really was just the perfect day.”
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Many of those taking part were doing so to raise funds and awareness for regional groups, good causes and charities.
Organisers say thousands of pounds is likely to have been raised as a result of the day.
Jessica Johnston was among those taking part and was walking in a group who went on to raise nearly £900 for Cheshire Roar, a women’s basketball club.
Jessica said: “It was a great event and Cheshire Roar can’t thank Chester Business Club enough for allowing us to raise money for the club through such a well organised charity walk. We had 40 members participate and everyone was very impressed and proud of their achievement. I am especially proud of our four under-fives who completed the walk without any complaints.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all our amazing sponsors who donated and the parents and members of the club that spent their Sunday raising money for a great cause. The money will be put towards purchasing a juniors kit for the club.”
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Lauren Evans, a member of the Chester Business Club, was walking for Knifesavers, a charity which aims to educate people on the growing problem of knife crime.
Lauren, who raised more than £350, said: “The event helped us raise funds which will allow Knifesavers to continue their lifeline work.”
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Also taking part were a team walking in aid of Critical Care Support Network (CCSN). CCSN supporters participate in the CBC Charity Walk every year and it’s a huge part of their annual fundraising. This year they planned to raise at least £7,000 over the weekend, by doing sponsored walks at Barton on 16 September and then at the CBC walk the next day.
Walkers raising funds for the Joshua Tree, a charity supporting families affected by childhood cancers, generated about £700
And a group walking for Sands, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity, raised £500
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Other charities involved in the event included Countess of Chester ‘Blue Skies Balcony’ Appeal; Adoption Matters; Share; Clwyd Special Riding Centre; ChAPS (Cheshire Autism Practical Services and Chester Samaritans, CSASS (Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service)
A string of local businesses generously stepped forward to sponsor the event, including Pellitec Ltd, Russell & Russell, Haines Watts, DropJaw Ventures.
The walk’s main sponsor was Illingworth Seddon. The CBC expects to raise significant funds to help support organisations in the region.
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They all helped ensure the walk’s legendary pit stops were in operation serving up Mars Bars, bacon butties and drinks.
They ensured finishers even got to toast their success with a gin and tonic.
Others stuck to the softer options – before heading home for a well-earned rest.
