AROUND 135 walkers took part in Tonbridge Lions Club’s Charity Walk on May 13, raising more than £5,000 for more than 20 charities and community causes.
The walks consisted of two distances, either five or ten miles, starting and ending at Shipbourne Village Hall. The shorter route took them via Dunk’s Green, Fairlawn Estate, Ightham Mote, Wilmot Cottage, Budds Green and Shipbourne Church. The longer route extended to Carter’s Hill and Underriver.
The Lions planned and marshalled the event while walkers raised sponsorship. The worthy causes which benefitted inc-luded the homeless charity The Bridge Trust, Kent West Dyslexic Association, disability support group Compaid Trust, overseas aid scheme The Gambia Project, mental health charity Mind, Tonbridge Air Cadets, Tonbridge Army Cadets and Angel Ladies Indoor Bowls.
In memory of Emma Sander, who died of breast cancer in 2016, a group of her friends raised almost £500 on behalf of Tunbridge Wells-based charity Restore Counselling, Training & Related Services, which Emma had helped to set up.
Local Scouts walked to raise money for their trips to the next World Jamboree – and the Lions added £100 to each group’s sponsorship.
Five of the Lions members’ wives raised more than £300 for LIBRA and Kidney Research.
At the finish, walkers had their sponsor forms officially stamped to show that they had completed the walk.
Gordon Hill, President of Tonbridge Lions Club, presented them with a certificate.
John Ruck, of Tonbridge Lions, said: ‘The Lions were extremely pleased with the turnout on the day.
‘The event gives groups that need funds the opportunity to raise them in a pleasant environment, and comments at the finish indicated it was much appreciated.’
PICTURE: BEST FOOT FORWARD: Emma Sander’s friends trek on behalf of Restore, the charity she helped set up
