The London Bridges charity walk for Kidney Research UK took place on Sunday 13th June 2010 when many thousands of women, men and children walked over 11 bridges in London.
About the Walk
The walk started from Battersea Park in London at 11 a.m. where participants checked in, collecting balloons and a Kidney Research UK goody bag containing drinks, snacks and a rain cover. Participants wore the purple Kidney Research UK t-shirt for the walk. A choice of different lengths of walk was given, either 13 miles, 10 miles or 7 miles. Seven miles was suggested for families with children or people in wheelchairs.
Anyone taking in the 13-mile would walk over 11 bridges in London:
- Chelsea bridge
- Vauxhall bridge
- Lambeth bridge
- Westminster bridge
- Hungerford bridge
- Waterloo bridge
- Millennium Bridge
- London Bridge and
- Tower bridge,
then participants would turn around and walk the bridges back to Battersea Park again. Along the way were Marshals to help and guide anyone by giving water and directions. The long 13-mile walk took about 4 to 5 hours for most people to finish, including taking about three stops in total during that time. The walk must be finished by 6 p.m. when the finish closes. It is very well organised and enjoyable.
Who Took Part in the London Bridges Walk?
Many people of all ages took part in this walk for charity: walkers, people who use wheelchairs, families, groups of friends and individuals. Some did sponsored walks for the charity by getting people to sponsor them before hand. Even elderly groups of people who want to keep fit took part. Each participant paid £10, which goes to the Kidney Research UK charity.
The Sights of London
The sights and atmosphere of walking in London on a Sunday are interesting and delightful if you don't get to visit London that often. There are always many events going on in London too, such as, shows, markets and street entertainers, which are fun to watch. The walk along the Millennium bridge is a bonus too, and seeing the London Eye or Big Ben right in front of you helps many participants to carry on walking knowing they have more to see.
Preparing for the London Bridges Walk
Kidney Research UK recommend that anyone wanting to go on this walk should prepare for it before hand. For example, they should train themselves to be healthy by exercising every day, so that the muscles are prepared for a long walk. Kidney Research UK have given an 11-week training guide for beginners wanting to do any of their walks. It lists what you should do each day leading up to the day of the charity walk. It also lists an intermediate guide, which gives a detailed plan of training for 12 weeks. For more information go to the Kidney Research UK training website.
At the End of the London Bridges Walk
Once reaching the finish line, participants receive a medal and drinks are provided to everyone. There is a raffle at the end, and food tents in Battersea Park. Many people sit and rest after the walk until 6 p.m. when everything closes down.
The walk turned out to be a great day out for everyone, so no doubt it will be even better by next year.
Denise Larkin - A Freelance writer. Articles written on travel, television, movies, outdoors, fitness, health and more.
