The
day started with check-in at the beautiful Victoria Embankment
Gardens. The participants then picked up a CRY balloon and made
their way to the bandstand for speeches by Alison Cox MBE (CRY Chief
Executive) and Kathryn Harries (right).
This was followed by a minute’s silence and then a group warm up,
once again led by the legendary Kirk Douglas, fitness instructor. On
the stage with Kirk to encourage everyone to join in were; Luciano
Arenare, Sarah Bates, Ellen Clabburn, Wayne Griffiths, Nema
Hafezi-Bakhtiari, Helena Lacey, Alice O'Driscoll, Sian Regan, Jamie
Sanders and Ketan Shanti.
In
the meantime, the press team were busy taking photographs and
interviewing groups for local press coverage.
After picking up a bottle of water and cereal bars, the walkers set
off in small groups. The final group, doing the shorter wheelchair
friendly route, was led by CRY Representative, Martin Appleby. This
route had to be revised at the last minute due to engineering works
at Blackfriars Bridges and repairs to the lift at Millennium Bridge.
After crossing Golden Jubilee, Westminster, Waterloo and Blackfriars
bridges, there were crisps and drinks available for the walkers to
top up their energy levels at the water station. Participants made
their way to the finish at the stunning Hays Galleria, having
crossed London Bridge and Tower Bridge, passing HMS Belfast.
Certificates and bars of chocolate were handed out by Foresters
volunteers and a fresh fruit punch, made by volunteer Koula, was
served.
The
staff and volunteers on the information and merchandise stalls had a
very busy day and attracted a lot of interest from tourists and
other visitors.
We
are very grateful to; St Martins Property Company; CB Richard Ellis;
Westminster City Council Parks Office and Events Team; Foresters;
Chubb Insurance and Sainsbury’s St Clare’s, Hampton for sponsoring
the event, either by providing the venues or making donations
towards the costs of the event, refreshments and snacks.
