Chester Business Club’s annual charity walk is on course to raise thousands for good causes after more than 200 people took part in this year’s event.
Walkers setting off from Chester Racecourse on Sunday, September 20, came together to support 22 different charities and good causes.
Many of those taking part in the walk, which is free to enter, brought along their dogs to enjoy an event which is now an important fixture in the Chester calendar.
And the sun was shining to ensure a fantastic day of community, fundraising and fun.
Lucy Liang, from Chester Business Club, said: “We were delighted to welcome 210 registered walkers this year, all coming together to support 22 fantastic charities. The atmosphere was wonderful, the sun shone and the conditions were perfect for the walk.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors and contributors for their generosity. Their support makes it possible for us to bring people together, encourage participation and, most importantly, help raise awareness and funds for a wide range of worthwhile causes.”
The three headline charities for this year’s walk were the Countess of Chester Hospital Charity, Petty Pool and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre.
The event was attended by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, who supported the occasion and was present to wave off those taking part.
While the final fundraising total is still to be confirmed, the CBC Charity Walk Committee will be gathering figures from the participating charities, with a full update expected in October.
Ms Liang added: “The success of this year’s walk reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved – from the walkers and charities to the sponsors, contributors and volunteers who helped make the event possible.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part, supported a walker, sponsored the event or helped behind the scenes. Your generosity and commitment made a meaningful difference to the success of the walk and, ultimately, to the many charities represented by our participants.
“We look forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming everyone back for another CBC Charity Walk in the future.”
Sponsors for this year’s event included Wyldewoods, DJH Chester City, Magnify PR, Panda Mami, Russell & Russell and OlyLife.
Their support helped to provide refreshments including fresh fruit, juice at the halfway point, bottled water and goody bags.
As is now a tradition, those crossing the finishing line were rewarded with a free gin and tonic.
Nick Owens, founder of Magnify PR, who took part in the walk, said: “Well done to all those who took part and a special well done to all of the dogs who made the walk and behaved themselves all the way round the six-mile course. It was great weather, so little wonder we saw so many dogs cooling off in the water halfway round.”
Ms Liang played a central role in bringing the charities together, while fellow organising committee member Feray Tunc led the marketing and promotion of the walk, helping to raise awareness and achieve such a strong turnout.
Bob Clough-Parker brought his extensive experience to the operational planning, helping to ensure everything ran smoothly on the day. Chester Business Club Chairman Gavin Floyd provided invaluable support throughout the planning process and did an outstanding job coordinating the marshals, while Immediate Past Chairman Jan Chillery played an important role in planning and organising the route.
Special thanks also go to Caroline Pattinson, who marshalled at three different locations during the walk, and Bessie Belcher, who supported participants by marshalling at several points along the route.
The club also received fantastic support from Horseradish Catering, Chester Racecourse’s event catering and hospitality team, throughout the planning and preparation and on the day itself.
A huge thank you goes to Events Designer Hannah Booth and the entire Horseradish team, who went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and created a fantastic registration and end-of-event reception area. The team is now keen to work with the club to give the walk an even more prominent place in the Chester Racecourse calendar for 2027.
The organising committee also received tremendous support from the wider Chester Business Club team, whose collective effort and commitment helped make the event such an outstanding success.
