A brand new walking challenge taking in Wiltshire’s iconic white horses has been launched to raise funds for the local air ambulance.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has announced its first-ever Chalk Walk, inviting people to explore the county’s countryside while supporting its lifesaving service.
The month-long challenge will run from Wednesday 1st April to Thursday 30th April, with participants encouraged to complete the route at their own pace.
Walkers can choose between two distances - a 32-mile main route or a shorter 17-mile option making it accessible for families, friends, community groups and workplaces.
The route links several of Wiltshire’s famous chalk horse landmarks, beginning in Marlborough and taking in Hackpen, Alton Barnes and Pewsey, alongside stretches of the Ridgeway, canal paths and woodland trails.
Participants can complete the distance in sections throughout the month, fitting the challenge around their own schedules while fundraising for the charity.
Ed Chapman, fundraising assistant at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We are very excited to launch the Chalk Walk within our community for the first time.
“It aims to celebrate our beautiful countryside, bring people together and raise vital funds that help ensure our lifesaving crews can continue to respond when they are needed most.”
Registration for the event is free, with walkers encouraged to raise £100. The first 50 people to sign up will receive a free t-shirt.
The charity relies entirely on donations from the public to operate, with its crews responding to an average of four incidents a day across Wiltshire and Bath.
Using a helicopter and critical care cars, the team can reach anywhere in the region in around 11 minutes, bringing hospital-level treatment directly to patients in emergency situations.
People can take part individually or as part of a group, sharing their progress and helping to raise awareness throughout April.
For more information or to sign up, visit the charity’s website.
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