Birmingham Walkathon returns for the first time in a decade - photo gallery here

It was a popular Brummie event which saw thousands raised for local charities after first starting back in 1983.

And the Birmingham Walkathon has returned for the first time since 2013. Hundreds turned out to join the revamped event held this morning (Sunday, April 2) which began at Kings Heath Park and Rookery Park in Erdington.

The idea to revive the fundraiser came from Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others (HHHO) -  the cancer support charity which was initially created by her son, Harry, who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2011, aged just 11 years old.

Harry wanted to bring people together and make a difference to all those affected by cancer - and the Birmingham Walkathon was a perfect event to be held in his memory.

HHHO joined forces with former BRMB Director David Bagley to bring back the Walkathon and almost 1,000 signed up. They pounded the pavements on a 26 mile route, or one that was 11 miles and a new fully inclusive one, three, five, or 10 laps around Kings Heath Park - raising much needed funds for local charities including HHHO, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid, All Making A Difference and Birmingham Mind.

Community organisation GoodGym, warmed up the crowds, getting them ready to take on their steps and complete their choice of walk.

The Walkathon, which first started in 1983 and last took place in 2013, has seen walkers, sponsors and supporters raise over £70,000 so far for the 2023 foundation year walk, which aims to bring the Walkathon back as a fundraising event.

Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others, said, “I’m so proud to see the wonderful people of Birmingham turn up and put their best foot forward to help support some fantastic, local charities.

“The last few years have been particularly difficult for many charities across the city, so to be able to bring back a much loved event like the Walkathon, means everything to me and those that rely on the support of these amazing charities. Harry would have loved today. He was a proud Brummie boy who loved his city and anything that brought its people together.”

David Bagley continues, “I’m delighted to see the return of the Walkathon and to be a part of this wonderful event, 40 years since it first started.

“The atmosphere and support has been incredibly uplifting and I’m delighted that this will now become a regular event that the people of Birmingham can come together for.”

If you would like to donate or volunteer for any of these local charities, you can find out more at brumwalkathon.co.uk