Marathon fundraising walk across Hertfordshire raises £45k

Helping Herts co-founders complete fourth challenge by walking 156 miles to raise vital funds for children’s charities

The co-founders of Helping Herts have successfully completed their fourth Founders 6-Marathon Challenge, walking the equivalent of six marathons across the county in 12 days.

The 156-mile route for Gordon Morrison and Jim Tatchell began in Bishop’s Stortford on 12 May, bringing together nearly 100 participants over the course of the walk. Families, experienced hikers, local business teams, volunteers and even a few four-legged friends joined the determined duo on their epic journey.

This year’s challenge raised £45,000 for Hertfordshire-based charities including Herts Young Homeless, Grove Cottage and Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT). The money will help fund vital services for children and young people facing mental health struggles, learning disabilities and homelessness. The Founders 6-Marathon Challenge is part of Helping Herts’ ongoing mission to support 12 partner charities across the county.

Reflecting on the impact of this year’s event, Gordon said that completing the challenge for a fourth time had been demanding and immensely rewarding. “The support we have received has been overwhelming,” he commented.

“Every step we take, alongside the amazing walkers, means more help and hope for local families.”

Jim also spoke about the connections made along the way, explaining that one of the most powerful aspects of the challenge was engaging directly with the charities supported by Helping Herts during the course of the hike. “It has been a delight to meet each of the fabulous charities that we are working with this year and to make real connections with each of them,” he said.

He also highlighted the recurring themes raised during these conversations, including the need for early diagnosis and intervention to address the mental health and developmental challenges faced by many children and young people. Jim added that involving the challenge’s corporate supporters in these discussions was invaluable in demonstrating the social impact of their contributions.

“It has also been very valuable to include a number of our key corporate supporters in these conversations, so that their social impact can be very clearly defined and understood. That alone makes the effort of walking what sometimes feels like a relentless challenge worthwhile!”

The Founders 6-Marathon Challenge forms part of Helping Herts’ wider mission to support a diverse range of children’s charities across Hertfordshire. Gordon and Jim remain committed to championing these causes and encouraging businesses and communities to work together for the benefit of vulnerable young people.

Helping Herts continues to welcome support from companies and individuals who want to make a difference in their local area. If you’d like to get involved with supporting the Founders 6-Marathon Challenge and Helping Herts’ work, they’d love to hear from you by visiting https://thegreatbigwalkforherts2024.heroes.help/campaigns/Helping-Herts5