Walk for Wellbeing raises £135,000

More than 1,000 people from across the hospitality industry united during October to Walk for Wellbeing raising £135,000 in support of UK charity Hospitality Action.

Marking its fifth and biggest year to date, and launched on World Mental Health Day, Walk for Wellbeing marked the charity’s largest annual mass participation fundraiser.

Beyond raising vital funds, Hospitality Action said this national movement was about “emphasising the importance of prioritising one’s own mental health and wellbeing whilst also looking out for that of colleagues”.

At present, the leading cause of anxiety in the UK is financial worry and debt. Since the start of 2024, Hospitality Action has experienced record high calls to their helplines and grant applications, with the majority citing debt as the biggest trigger of anxiety leading to feelings of hopelessness and mental health issues. Every penny raised will directly benefit hospitality employees and their families facing challenging times.

Teams from across the industry hosted 20km walks on Sunday 13 October in nine UK cities including London, Oxford, Bath/Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow for this enjoyable and flexible event.

In addition, hundreds of people chose to ‘Walk It Your Way’ between World Mental Health Day on 10 October and 27 October, raising even more awareness and funds for cause.

From walking 10km in a nature reserve or along a local beach with friends and family, to holding walking meetings and team walkabouts, the charity said participants came up with a variety of ways to get involved and play their part in supporting the vital work of Hospitality Action.

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

Craig Prentice, creator of Walk for Wellbeing and founder and director of UK hospitality talent and recruitment partner mum, said: “Walk for Wellbeing is all about doing what we can to look after ourselves, the people around us and those in the wider community. I’m blown away by the turnout and support we have received this year. Seeing hundreds of like-minded people come together for the greater good goes to prove what we have always known about our incredible industry: when it really counts, we’ve got each other’s backs.

“It’s amazing to think that in just five years, we’ve gone from a small group of twenty walkers to well over a thousand. I can’t wait to see what next October brings when the nation dons their walking shoes once again for Walk for Wellbeing 2025.”

Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action added: “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. But 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.”