Registration opens for 2022 Bridge the Gap charity walk through Cambridge colleges

paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 06:30, 30 May 2022

You can now register for Cambridge’s much-loved Bridge the Gap charity walk.

Raising money for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill, the walk on the morning of Sunday, September 11 will begin and end on Parker’s Piece and take in the grounds of six University of Cambridge colleges.

Sponsored by The Cambridge Building Society, and supported again by the Cambridge Independent, the walk has typically hosted more than 2,000 walkers each year.

Angeline Liles, from Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, and Neil Thompson, from Romsey Mill, with a QR code that can be scanned to visit the website

Early-bird booking of £16 per person is available now at arhc.org.uk/btg, with up to two under-16s enjoying the walk with every paying adult.

For the last two years, with colleges closed to the public amid the pandemic, participants took on self-guided routes and treasure hunts, raising more than £32,000 in the process.

But the return of the traditional walk through the colleges has been welcomed.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity chief executive Sharon Allen said: “We are so pleased that people can now register to take part in this year’s Bridge the Gap charity walk. This event is the highlight of our year for colleagues, volunteers and supporters, and we are particularly excited to be returning to the traditional, well-loved format for the event.

Bridge the Gap 2019 featured Queens’ College. Picture: Keith Heppell

“Sunday, September 11 is going to be a great day, and I know that the unique route will provide enjoyment for loyal supporters of the event, as well as those taking part for the first time.”

The wheelchair and pushchair friendly route will be revealed soon. Walkers will be guided and helped by more than 120 volunteers and there will be a Time for Tea tent for refreshments and live acoustic music on Parker’s Piece.

Neil Perry, chief executive at Romsey Mill, said: “Bridge the Gap brings together local charities, businesses and community organisations in a wonderful and unique way; showing what can be achieved when Cambridge comes together!

“From families of all ages; to people walking with friends; to work colleagues taking the opportunity to get together out of work hours, we know that everyone who takes part will have a great time. And I’m sure that even those who think that they know Cambridge well, will discover something new about the city.”

Neil Thompson, from Romsey Mill, with Jodie Vaughan, from Arthur Rank Hospice. Picture: Keith Heppell

The Cambridge Building Society, which has been headline sponsor for the last 13 years, continues in the role, alongside TTP Group, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and Cambridge City Rotary Club. While the Co-op, Cambridge Independent and Cambridge 105 Radio are event partners.

Peter Burrows, CEO at The Cambridge Building Society, said: “Bridge the Gap is a wonderful community event that provides something for everyone. We love sponsoring and helping to plan the event, and we are really looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday 11th September. We would love to see as many of our customers and team members take part to enjoy the beauty of Cambridge, and support two brilliant local charities – Romsey Mill and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.”

The annual walk has taken place every year since 2001, with more than 40,000 people taking part, helping to raise over £630,000 for local charities.

To register or for more information, visit arhc.org.uk/btg. If you have any questions or require support in registering the event, call the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity team on 01223 675888 Monday to Friday 9am-5.30am.

Cambridge Charity Family What's On News Paul Brackley