BRMB’s Walkathon has smashed targets and raised a huge amount of money for injured troops.
Sunday’s 26 mile event, brought back by the station after 18 years, welcomed 8,000 walkers who all took part to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity.
A total of £405,291 was raised with the radio station broadcasting live from the event throughout the day. The money will be spent on building new rehabilitation and recreation facilities, for soldiers who have been severely injured or disabled at war.
Chief Executive BRMB, Phil Riley, said: “We decided to bring back the BRMB Walkathon this year because it holds such a special place in the hearts of so many people, and today’s event shows why. We had hoped to raise £250,000 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity, but the generosity and spirit of people in Birmingham smashed that target.
“It just goes to show that, despite the economic climate, if people believe in an event and a cause they will dig deep. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part for supporting the return of the Walkathon, making the 2010 event a
record-breaker and raising a huge amount of money for such a worthwhile charity.”
Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of the QEHB Charity took part in the Walkathon and said: “It was really wonderful to see so many people getting together to show their support for the Charity. We were absolutely gobsmacked when we found out that total pledged on Sunday and would like to thank all those who walked, jogged, ran, marshalled or stood on the sidelines and cheered everyone on. In just one day we are nearly halfway to our goal of being able to create a fantastic new centre for our injured soldiers.”
Since the first Walkathon the event has raised over £4.5 million for local charities in the Midlands.