Walk Together 2026

Taking place on Saturday 5 September, Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity's second annual Walk Together event will start from Victoria Park in Haywards Heath and offers participants the opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk through Haywards Heath and Bolnore Village while supporting a life-changing cause. Last year’s event raised an incredible £20,000, helping to fund specialist therapies and support for children and families. This year, the charity hopes to raise even more to meet growing demand for its services.

Participants can choose between two routes. A 5km accessible walk through Bolnore Village or a 15km mixed-terrain trek through Ashenground and Bolnore Woods. Both routes start and finish at Victoria Park.

Entry is just £20 per adult and £5 per child. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome, making it a fantastic day out for the whole family. At the finish line, participants can enjoy a free BBQ and refreshments provided by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), and every paying participant will receive a commemorative medal to celebrate their achievement.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations to provide its services free of charge to families. It costs more than £700,000 each year to deliver specialist support to children and families across the South East.

Participants are encouraged to raise £150 in sponsorship, enough to help fund a specialist physiotherapy session. These sessions help children build strength, improve mobility, and work towards important developmental milestones, while also equipping parents and carers with techniques and exercises they can continue at home.