Success for Whittington Walkers
After 4 months of intensive training the Waterside Whittington Walk team made up of theatre staff completed their biggest fundraiser to date for Florrie’s Children’s Team. The 25-strong walk team completed the challenge of walking 52 miles from Aylesbury to London in 24 hours. Despite the scorching 26 degree heat, the team came in 2.5 hours ahead of schedule at 11.30pm on Westminster Bridge – after a solid 19.5 hours of walking.
Celebrating the venue’s 5th birthday and this year’s family pantomime, Dick Whittington, members of the team attempted the whole distance while others opted to complete legs– a total of 706 miles were covered by the team on the day. Together 38 venue staff either walked or volunteered their time on the day as support team, ensuring supplies reached walkers and emergency transport was available if needed.
Injuries sustained included heat exhaustion, bites, stings and numerous blisters.
Training for the walk involved weekend walks ranging from 8 – 35 miles which have taken place weekly since May. During training the team worked on pacing, stamina and trialling snacks to see what was most effective and easily digested. Each leg of the route was also tested during training to ensure the team were familiar with the route and prepared for the challenging sections including the hills of Chesham, and the unlit canal paths along the Grand Union.
Friend of the theatre and Strictly’s cannon-shooting star, Russell Grant, sent the team a message of congratulations after completing the walk: ‘All you merry walkers!!!! I have just got off the Britannia and seen what you have done! You are sooooooooo special and worth your weight in gold. Well done and congratulations! Much a love a very old Hardup and Roger xxxxxx’
The event drummed up lots of support with local businesses including Waitrose, Chiltern Railways, Motts Coaches, Evolution Personal Training and local ice cream parlour The Works all jumping on board donating complimentary travel during training walks, fitness advice and supplies on the day.
To date just over 4k has been raised for Florrie’s Children’s Team – a local charity caring for terminally sick children and their families. The theatre’s target is 5k and donations continue to be welcomed via www.justgiving.com/watersidewhittingtonwalkers