WALKING With The Wounded (WWTW) is calling on people across the UK to do their bit for wounded Servicemen and women and join the Walking Home For Christmas campaign to raise vital funds for homeless veterans.
The initiative, which is backed by Nick Knowles, Dominic West, Julia Bradbury and Sir Chris Bonington among others, will see thousands of people donning Santa hats, walking boots and having an adventure – be it one mile or 100 miles – this December.
David Henson, captain of GB’s Invictus Games team and ambassador for Walking Home For Christmas, said: “Walking Home For Christmas is a fantastic way for people to show their support [for wounded veterans], get involved and have some fun in a Santa hat.
“As a wounded veteran, the challenges I faced seemed impossible but with the support of this charity I am forging a new career in bio-engineering.”
Last year, participants collectively walked more than 5,000 miles and raised £100,000.
Andrew Cook, WWTW head of fundraising, said: “The aim of this year’s initiative is to raise £250,000. This will enable us to deliver five new homeless programs across the UK ensuring beneficiaries are not precluded from gaining employment and financial security through a lack of housing.”
WWTW supports veterans with physical, mental or social injuries on their journey to long-term security, independence and employment and will put proceeds from the Walking Home For Christmas campaign towards its Home Straight programme.
Will you walk home for Christmas?
Why not try and beat the current record of 203 miles, get the kids to walk home from school, or take your dog on an extra-long walk?
To get involved and complete a walk of your own, visit wwtw.org.uk, enter your name and email address and pay £10 towards the cause. You’ll receive a pack featuring a hi-vis bib, Santa hat and wristband and will then be ready to walk as far as is challenging for you anytime this December.