More than 2,200 people from across South London took part in St Christopher’s Fun Walk last weekend (Sunday 11 May), raising more than £178,000 in the process.
The charity’s biggest event of the year drew thousands of walkers to Keston, including the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Dr David Jefferys on Sunday May 11.
Basking in spring sunshine, many walkers took on the challenge in memory of loved ones, decorating their t-shirts with photos and messages of those who had died.
There was also a memory tree halfway round the course where supporters could write messages on hearts and tie them to the tree.
As of Thursday 15 May, more than £178,000 had been counted, with the charity still aiming to surpass last year’s final total of £215,000.
The event starts and finishes at Keston Common in Bromley, with fairground stalls, children’s games, live music, and refreshments.
One supporter Lauren, 25, walked in memory of her mum, Lisa, alongside her dad and some of her mum’s bests friends. Together, the team has raised almost £3,500!
She says: “Fun Walk was so brilliant at bringing people together and I loved the sense of community and atmosphere. There’s so much going on, so many different stalls and it was chance to share stories about people who have died and how St Christopher’s has supported us all.
“If my mum knew we had done it she’d have bawled her eyes out, she used to cry at everything. She’d be proud of me, because I don’t really exercise but I’d happily walk miles for St Christopher’s.”
“She was the best person,” Lauren says. “I know that sounds so cheesy, but she was always so happy and you know, she’s so loving, caring, she got on my nerves a bit as every parent does, but she brought everyone’s in the house together, so it was a massive shock when I lost her.”
Lauren was so inspired by the work of St Christopher’s that she applied for a job as an Assistant Manager in one of their shops.
“It was just a calling. It was really lovely. I was about to lose my previous job and this job came up and it just felt right and it’s honestly in a way kind of honouring my mum getting this job.
“They were so lovely and kind to her. Asking questions about she wanted to do things rather than saying this is how we should do it. They were always making sure that she was comfortable.”
Christine Davies, Head of Fundraising at St Christopher’s, said: “It was fantastic to see thousands of supporters coming out for St Christopher’s at Fun Walk.
“Fun Walk has always been a popular fundraising event for us ever since the first one in 1990 – raising hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years and it’s amazing to see this year’s total go up and up.
“The valuable money we raised this year will go to supporting people at the end of life across our community and their loved ones.
“We can’t wait to return next year to see you all and do it all over again, make sure you’re there too on Sunday 10 May 2026.”
To find out more about walking next year’s Fun Walk on Sunday 10 May 2026, visit: https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/funwalk
