The 2025 Fun Walk announces record £121,000 raised at its celebration evening!

Cheers, applause, and the unmistakable call of the Billericay Town Crier filled the room at The Fun Walk Trust’s Celebration Evening, as the organisers proudly announced this year’s event had raised a record-breaking £121,000 for local causes — the highest amount in the event’s 23-year history.

Hosted at Canon Roche Hall on Friday, 14 November, the evening brought together representatives from 60 or so local charities and community groups, Bonus Pot sponsors, supporters, Trustees and friends to celebrate an outstanding fundraising total. The evening’s highlight came when, Professor Michael Almond (Deputy Lieutenant of Essex) joined John Baron (Chairman, The Fun Walk Trust) to reveal the grand total raised of £121,000 including a 35% bonus awarded to each participating group who attended. Each charity and community group was then presented with their Fundraising Certificate by John and Michael.

From schools to local sports clubs and church groups, thousands took part in this year’s Fun Walk to support local charities and community projects. Their energy and enthusiasm could be felt across the county, as participants of all ages joined forces to make a lasting difference. The funds raised are helping to provide support for children and families, sports clubs, schools, food banks, animal charities, churches and other community projects. The Deputy Lieutenant of Essex congratulated all involved for their “outstanding commitment to making Essex a better place for everyone.”

John Baron commented:

“Each year we are amazed by the generosity, energy and teamwork of all who take part. To reveal such a fantastic total at this Celebration Evening, surrounded by so many of our charities and supporters, is a truly special moment. Our thanks go to every walker, organiser, and sponsor who made this success possible. It would not have been possible without the collective effort of all involved.”

“The generous contributions from our Bonus Pot sponsors boosted the funds raised by participants by a whopping 35%. Our thanks go to Greater Anglia, Brown & Carroll (London), Sanctuary Housing Association, Equi Ltd, One Footstep (The Human Kind Café, Billericay), Butyl Products Group, Tunnelcraft, c2c Rail, Mr Barrie Stone and others.”

With a record total achieved and celebrations still in full swing, organisers are already turning their sights to next year’s event. Planning is underway, with hopes of bringing together even more participants and raising an even bigger total for local good causes. For more information, photos from the Celebration Evening, and updates on next year’s event, visit www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk