Now that the snow has disappeared it is time for Coventry Leofric Lions, once again to address the activities for the New Year ahead. For the past 17 years the Club have in the early summer staged a major fund raising event ”The Walkathon”. This activity raises funds for a wide range of charities and takes the form of a sponsored walk. This year’s walk will be held on Sunday 12th May at the Coventry War Memorial Park.
During its 17 year history “The Walkathon" has produced a staggering £195,224.93p and the monies raised have been donated to local charities, schools, scouts, brownies, sports clubs and many other good causes. The Lions Club has enabled this to happen by taking on the organisational and promotional activities to make life easier for the wide variety of fund raisers involved.
The walk which lasts from 11.00am to 4.00pm is a fun day that allows the participants to walk as many miles as they wish thus promoting a healthy lifestyle as well as raising funds for worthy causes.
As you can see from the photo taken at a previous event many walkers try to add to their funds by entering “The Walkathon” Fancy Dress Competition and this adds to the colourful atmosphere of the occasion.
The President of Coventry Leofric Lions Club, Richard Ireland, said “The Walkathon is a great family event – an opportunity enabling the people of Coventry and Warwickshire to put something back into their communities. Over the many years of its existence a significant number of local people have participated. The majority have found it enjoyable and rewarding, albeit some have walked themselves to the point of exhaustion but all have thought it worth the effort and have found satisfaction in benefitting their chosen charity.
Not everyone has the wherewithal to cycle across Africa, climb Kilimanjaro or jump out of a plane but whatever our physical condition we can all challenge ourselves to walk or be pushed to a target of miles in a set time”.
Richard’s wife, Linda will be heading a team to raise funds for her chosen charity - Diabetes U.K. and it will be very satisfying to see her joined by hundreds of likeminded walkers all striving to raise funds for their own charities and good causes.
President Richard, on behalf of the club would like to thank Coventry City Council, Coventry Building Society, Touch FM, Loveitts Estates, Medevent U.K. and Drayton Manor Park and Zoo for their continued support in the organisation of the Walkathon and he looks forward to greeting a throng of Coventry people at the Coventry War Memorial Park when the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Tim Sawdon starts the walk at 11.00am after judging the Fancy Dress competition.
For individuals or teams wishing to answer the Lions call to walk “The Walkathon” entry is simple, go to www.coventrywalkathon.com and download the entry forms, sponsor forms, maps and other useful information. Details can also be found on Facebook - Coventry Leofric Lions.
The organiser, Reg Brown can be contacted on 07766 667349 or email.