Introducing…the Grand Walk

The Grand Walk will take place at Ashton Court on Sunday, September 15. Registration is now open and tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children, while under 3s can go for free.

Walkers can choose from a 1.5k or 5k distance, taking in the stunning grounds of Ashton Court Estate. Walkers might even spot some familiar sculptures along the way.

Supporters of The Grand Appeal, Edward Studley – with son Harry – and Anna-Marie De Le Mare – with her son Max - will be taking part in the Grand Walk, alongside the hundreds of people who’ve already signed up.

Edward has been an ongoing fundraiser of The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, since Harry was shot in the head with an air rifle as a baby.

In 2023, Anna-Marie’s baby, Max, was transferred to St Michael’s Hospital. During that time Anne-Marie temporarily moved into Cots for Tots House, one of the charity’s family accommodation facilities, to be close to Max during this most difficult time.

The Grand Walk will be more than just a stroll in the park, fundraisers can expect a wonderful day with their families, with food and drink, face painting and much more. People can also bring their dogs along for the walk and enjoy the scenery.

Stacey Vincent, Senior Events Fundraiser, The Grand Appeal adds: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Grand Walk to Bristol and we’d love you all to join us for a fantastic day of family fun, in one of the city’s most beautiful locations.

“This inclusive fundraising event stands apart from the usual challenges like runs, skydives, and cycles that require months of training. Designed to be truly accessible for everyone, Grand Walk invites supporters of all abilities to take part. Whether you're young or old, active or just starting out, Grand Walk welcomes all to step up for sick children.”

Grand Walk is kindly sponsored by Albert Goodman. Robin Clempson, Director of Marketing said: “We’re so pleased to be able to sponsor this event which will raise much needed funds and awareness for the amazing Bristol Children’s Hospital and NICU.

!It is a brilliantly inclusive event and many of our people are involved in volunteering or taking part and hopefully the Grand Walk can become a firm part of Bristol’s fundraising calendar”.

Anna-Marie, mum to Max, said: “The charity will forever be important to us. As a family we went through the toughest time, but some of our stresses – like being away from home - were taken care of by accommodation at Cots for Tots House and Paul’s House.

"We wanted to take part in Grand Walk to raise money, so other families can benefit from what we did. Although what we went through was truly horrendous, we still look back on some of that time fondly because of the kindness we were shown.

"It’s absolutely priceless, and Cots for Tots and The Grand Appeal have a very special place in our hearts.”

For more information on the Grand Walk and to sign up, visit: https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/grand-walk/