Thousands Set To Walk London’s Iconic Bridges For Diabetes UK

Leading charity Diabetes UK is inviting people to put their best feet forward for Wellness Walk London Bridges 2024.by joining a walking challenge in London in September.

Wellness Walk London Bridges 2024 will take place on Sunday, 29 September. The event is a perfect opportunity for people to support their wellness while enjoying a scenic walk and raising money for Diabetes UK along the way.

With options this year to register as an individual, join a team or create a team, it’s also a great opportunity to share the experience with family, friends or colleagues.

The 10-mile walk starts at Battersea Park, with groups of walkers setting off in waves between 9am and 11am.

Walkers will cross some of London most famous bridges including Albert, Hungerford, Waterloo, Millennium and Tower Bridge to finish at Potters Fields Park.

A five-mile option will start and finish at Potters Fields Park in the shadow of Tower Bridge.

As well as fundraising, walkers will receive advice on how they can improve their wellness and exercise more. They will receive a journal to help plan training walks and lifestyle changes. There will also be incentives for fundraisers and access to a Facebook group here.

After the walk, participants will have the opportunity to. pose for a photo on the finisher’s podium, get a relaxing massage, write on a gratitude board or speak to a specialist diabetes dietitian.

Nearly five million people in the UK live with diabetes – a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed carefully, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, heart attack and stroke. While some people living with type 2 can put their diabetes into remission there is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes.

Jill Steaton, Head of South East Coast and London Region for Diabetes UK, said:

“We know being active helps protect against diabetes complications and can help people lead a happier and healthier life.

“Accessible walks are the perfect way to take your first steps to being active. The longer days of summer are a great time to plan in some practice walks to build up your distance before taking on the Wellness Walk in September.

“Demand for our services is increasing all the time. People with diabetes need our help – and so we need your help. Please sign up and start walking on your own or with friends and family. Your support can change lives.”

Registration is £15 for adults, £5 for 12- to 17-year-olds and free for 11-year-olds and under. There is no minimum sponsorship although Diabetes UK is inviting walkers to aim to raise £150.

Funds raised go towards Diabetes UK and could support services, advice and guidance and pioneering research.

For more information and to sign up for Wellness Walk London Bridges, visit the WALK LINK.

For a 20% discount on the registration fee use the code Bridges20 when prompted on the form.

This year the event is sponsored by Abbott which creates breakthrough products – in diagnostics, medical devices and nutrition.

Neil Harris, General Manager, Abbott’s Diabetes Care business, UK & Ireland said: “Abbott is committed to improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes so we are delighted to be the headline sponsor for this Wellness Walk in London.

“We’ve partnered with Diabetes UK to help more people see the benefits of behavioural changes like walking on their glucose levels and their overall diabetes management. Good luck to all the participants and do come and say hello to the FreeStyle team on the day.”

Purely Scottish Bottlers Ltd will kindly supply water for the walkers to stay hydrated throughout their walk.