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31st October 2024

Hospitality sector gets behind Walk for Wellbeing event

Written by: Edward Waddell
More than 1,000 people from across the hospitality industry united this October to Walk for Wellbeing and make a positive difference in support of UK charity Hospitality Action.

Walk for Wellbeing has raised £135,000, making it the charity’s largest annual mass participation fundraiser. Beyond raising funds, this national movement is about emphasising the importance of prioritising one’s own mental health and wellbeing whilst also looking out for that of colleagues.

According to Hospitality Action the leading cause of anxiety in the UK is financial worry and debt. Every penny raised will directly benefit hospitality employees and their families facing challenging times. 

Individuals and teams from across the industry joined 20km walks on Sunday 13th October in nine UK cities including London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. Hundreds of people chose to ‘Walk It Your Way’ between 10-27th October, raising even more awareness and funds for this worthy cause.

A special highlight this year was a record set by Hospitality Action ambassador Charlie Hodson, who walked 155 miles from Norwich to London, raising £3,000 for the charity.

Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: “Walking 20km in one go is not to be underestimated, so the fact that so many signed up to this rapidly growing national movement is testament to the importance of giving back. This incredible event goes way beyond that. It’s also about prioritising one’s own mental health and wellbeing whilst also feeling part of a supportive and united team where open dialogue is actively encouraged.

“Hospitality Action provides as much support as possible to our colleagues, but we can’t do it alone. Support must also come from within the hospitality organisations in which our people work. By working and walking together, we will really make a lasting, positive difference.”

The sixth annual Walk for Wellbeing will take place next October, with hosted walks planned for Sunday 19th October 2025 in cities across the UK. For more information, email [email protected].