Warming up for the Walkathon

Jul 11 2007 by Anna Jeys, Birmingham Mail

RECORD numbers of people are expected to take a stroll around the city for the annual BRMB Walkathon.

The ten-mile walk, now in its 25th year, has been organised by the Birmingham-based radio station and is backed by the Birmingham Mail.

It will be held in the city on September 9 and will take participants around Birmingham's most famous landmarks.

Organisers have already received a record number of entries since the launch last week and are urging more Brummies to sign up.

The Walkathon will raise cash for the Help a Local Child charity, which helps children suffering from poverty, abuse, neglect, homelessness, illness and disability in the Midlands.

The charity, previously known as Cash for Kids, has already handed over £50,000 of grants to children's organisations in 2007.

Since 1982, thousands of people including Prince Charles and boxing legend Muhammad Ali, have donned walking shoes for the event.

BRMB breakfast presenter Elliott Webb, and trustee of HALC said: "I'm so pleased that this year we have teamed up with the Birmingham Mail to ensure the event is a massive success to enable those vital funds keep getting to the kids who need it.

"No one can replace a lost childhood, but with the people of Birmingham's help, we can take the first steps towards improving many, many futures."

This year, Walkathon will also be backed by the Bullring, Via Michelin, Virgin Active and West Bromwich Building Society.

For more details or to register, call 0871 22 22 964 or log onto www.brmb.co.uk/walkathon