Comedian and presenter, Jo Brand, has urged the British public to take part in this year's 'The Big Walk'.
The challenge involves walking 250 miles and visiting community projects along the way to celebrate and recognise the work that people are doing locally.
The walkers will start their route in Morecambe, Lancashire in mid-May. Each participant will then walk back to their respective homes, in each one of the four UK nations - finishing simultaneously on Sunday 3 June.
"I urge anyone to consider stepping up for the challenge this year...if nothing else it's the perfect excuse to eat cake all day as you potter along!"
Brand presented last year's starting ceremony, and is no stranger to long distance walking, she said: "Last year there were so many negative things going on in the world, it was nice for three weeks to be able to shine a light on the incredibly determined walkers and the diverse communities all over the UK coming together to welcome them passing through. I urge anyone to consider stepping up for the challenge this year...if nothing else it's the perfect excuse to eat cake all day as you potter along!"
The Eden Project came up with the idea of the 'Big Walk', and it was delivered together with the National Lottery.
As the walkers finish their journey, they will arrive to take part in the 'Big Lunch'. Last year, 9.3 million people participated in 96,00 events, making it the biggest community led celebration in the UK.
Peter Stewart, Eden Project Executive Director, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the first ever Big Walk. All along the routes, people and communities came out to welcome the walkers and talk about projects in their own neighbourhoods. At a time when we need reminding of the strength and positivity society is capable of, we were able to show that community spirit is very much alive and flourishing all over the UK.”
One of last year's participants, Josh Quigley walked from Batley, Yorkshire to his home in Scotland. He said: “The walk was amazing. I loved it because it was so social. Every day I met the most incredible people. They threw open their doors and shared their stories with us and fed us the most incredible food. I’d like to think that as people become more aware of The Big Walk and the idea grows in scale, people will see the impact they can have and more will take action and make connections with the people in their neighbourhoods. Taking part in The Big Walk was a life-changing experience for me and one I’m so grateful to have been given.”
How to get Involved
If you are over 18 and live in Kent, Dundee, Swansea or Northern Ireland you can apply to participate in the The Big Walk 2018. You need to be physically fit enough to walk up to 20 miles a day for 21 days and possess a genuine interest in community projects.
For more information and to register, visit the Big Walk website.
