Groups can sign up for Bridge the Gap charity walk for a special price

gemma.gardner@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 13:13, 09 August 2018

Bridge the Gap is supported by The Cambridge Building Society

Fundraising stroll through Cambridge University colleges will raise money for Arthur Rank Hospice and Romsey Mill

Cambridge University Press employees will be taking part

Calls have been made for groups to sign up for the annual Bridge the Gap charity walk and take advantage of special rates.

Around 600 people have already signed up for the popular stroll around Cambridge University’s colleges, supported by the Cambridge Independent.

Special emphasis is now being placed on encouraging groups of friends, families or work colleagues to join and benefit from the special rates of £15 per person within a group of 10 or more.

Heidi Mulvey from Cambridge University Press (CUP), a regular supporter of the walk, said: “Bridge the Gap is an annual highlight for our people – an incredible chance to glimpse some of Cambridge’s hidden treasures while raising funds for two such worthwhile local charities.

Emmanuel College - the walk takes in Cambridge University colleges

“Whether you are a business, an individual, or just a bunch of friends looking for something fun and different to do – we can’t recommend this walk highly enough.”

The annual walk, which raises money for Arthur Rank Hospice and Romsey Mill, takes place on Sunday, September 9. It will start and finish at Parker’s Piece. It will take in the colleges of Emmanuel, Christ’s, Sidney Sussex, St Catharine’s and Pembroke – and the Museum of Zoology.

CUP has booked 111 places, currently taking the top spot for the largest team, anticipated to be closely followed by The Cambridge Building Society who expect its numbers will edge towards the 100 mark.

This year is cause for extra celebration for headline sponsor, The Cambridge Building Society, as it celebrates a decade of helping to fund and organise the event.

Bridge the Gap 2018 is launched at Emmanuel College Upper Hall. Picture: Keith Heppell

Peter Burrows, finance director for The Cambridge Building Society, said: “Bridge the Gap provides the perfect opportunity to get involved with your local community – it’s an event for the local community, organised by the local community to benefit the local community.

“The great thing about it is that it’s open to everyone. Not only does it give an opportunity to explore the colleges that those who live here might take for granted, but it raises much needed funds for two local charities whose valuable work really does make a difference to people’s lives.”

The walk attracts around 2,000 people, and the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides will be on hand throughout to offer an array of history and information for those taking part.

Support from TTP, Cambridge Assessment and the Rotary Club of Cambridge will help to ensure that 100 per cent of the entry fee goes to the charities.

Co-op food stores will be donating water and volunteers.

Prices are £18 per adult or walkers can sign up on the day for £20. Children are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

You can sign up by visiting arhc.org.uk/BTG, by calling 01223 675888, or by picking up a registration form in person from Romsey Mill, Hemingford Road, Cambridge, or the Arthur Rank Hospice which is adjacent to the Babraham Road Park and Ride site or any of the charity’s shops.

Cambridge Charity Family Gemma Gardner