Charity Walks Article For 2013 December Strider Magazine
One question regularly asked amongst LDWA members, in particular those new to the organisation is, “Why don’t we feature charity walks in our Future Events Calendar?” Well, the simple answer is space, but there are other, complex reasons, in that some charity events accept more than 500 participants, the LDWA policy maximum. There is also the issue of value, although the LDWA maintains an open minded view on the aspect of prices, believing the organisation to be a free market place for long distance walks and, as such, leaving such judgements to the individual. In general, members support events with their feet, choosing whether to return or not, if indeed they experience a particular challenge event in the first place.
The Association’s grapevine and penchant for conversation, nay gossip, about all things LDWA tends to differentiate wheat from chaff, at the end of the day. If a challenge event demands £20.00 in order to take part and gives nothing more than a few sips of over diluted squash on the way around, with little or no food at the end, then return business by LDWA members is going to be unlikely, especially when the astonishing value that our home-grown events offer is taken into consideration. Many LDWA organised events, during the past 41 years, have also contributed more than their fair share of donations to every conceivable charity organisation and this has increased on a year by year basis, as the number of challenge events being made available continues to flourish.
Non LDWA organised challenge events, promoted through our Association, also account for a considerable amount of money given to charities each year and unlike LDWA events are, in the main, put on solely for this purpose. Most of the challenge events that appear in Strider magazine, or on its equivalent website, are highly proficient, generous and rewarding encounters that become reliable, well established and popular, deserving their success and loyal patronage, which simultaneously help good causes and ‘further the interests of those who enjoy long distance walking.’
Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of charity walks jumping on the bandwagon of so-called fund raising opportunity, spoiling the pitch for those with crafted organisational skills and well balanced intentions. Charity walks, in the last few years, have got themselves a bad reputation or, at least, a bad press, amongst the LDWA fraternity. Thanks to a shoddy minority, in spite of their good intentions, they are often seen as money grabbers, offering poor value, in comparison to the majority of events promoted by LDWA, contributing little but demanding an unreasonable fee or a high minimum sponsorship to participate.
Charity walk routes can be another turn off, demonstrating an indifference to quality, often incorporating a high percentage of metalled surface and uninspiring locations, whilst those in more scenic areas have a habit of not making the best of their surroundings. To be fair, in these days of ever increasing litigation, the use of high volume roads is in decline, thank goodness.
There are, of course, charity walks and there are charity walks and then, there is The Louise Smalley Walk. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to be introduced to this wonderful event, by a colleague at work. This annual jolly, which is very much a jolly, in the true sense of the word, despite being a 40 mile undertaking, offers not just a day out for the enthusiastic long distance walker, but a real sense of belonging, in particular for those wishing to turn the event into a temporary lifestyle. The Louise Smalley Walk is the epitome of superb challenge event organisation, providing the opportunity to take part in something really special and imparting a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The package, for those who wish to be packaged, includes an array of advice, training walks, a pre-event briefing the week before and a presentation evening, in November. Information can be viewed and monitored throughout the year on an extensive website https://louisesmalleywalk.com
The event, now approaching its 21st year, means everything to the local Derbyshire community of Whitwell and apart from the fact that so many local people get involved, in terms of both organisation and participation, there is a very obvious feeling of community spirit throughout the day of the event. The atmosphere is infectious and helps sustain determination and enjoyment.
The LSW, now firmly established in the area as a local institution, began as a one-off event, dedicated to the memory of a baby girl who, at the age of 13 months was denied any further participation in life, after being born with an inoperable heart defect. Given only days to live, at birth, Louise survived for over a year, during which time she contracted and recovered from Meningitis. No greater meaning is required for the theme of a charity walking event and the name and spirit of Louise Smalley lives on through the feet of over a hundred enthusiastic long distance walkers at the end of June, each year. The event has now supported 16 different charities and raised in excess of £150,000, during its 20 years, which even includes £3,000 in 2001, when no walking was possible, due to the national outbreak of foot and mouth.
Like so many of a similar or greater age, the event has reached a point when anyone connected with it cannot imagine a world without the LSW. No worries there, because such is the popularity of this event and commitment of the organiser and founder, Joe Mason, and his team, that the immediate future is guaranteed. Joe, along with the parents of Louise Smalley, Trevor and Wendy, no doubt, have plans for the event longer term and with so many young followers and helpers to its name there is no reason why this walk cannot survive for generations to come.
Love, as ever, is a key word and the love for and within this particular event is a shining beacon in a world where community spirit seems to be losing its way, and where the unfortunate absence of one lost soul can be given meaning, at least, if not life itself, through the lives of others, out amongst nature, having fun, exercise and social interaction. Every year sees a new course, or the re-introduction and tweaking of a previous one, often back by popular demand, which comes with a first class description booklet and always makes the very best of the area, whether using Derbyshire or partnering up with neighbouring Nottinghamshire. The checkpoints are amazing, where each one of the eight staging posts contain, in abundance, every conceivable form of refreshment and first aid application. Encouragement throughout the 40 mile course is relentless and with a generous 20 hour time limit only those unfit for duty would be incapable of making it back to a hero’s welcome. In the world of long distance walking, spirit is everything and the spirit conjured up in and around the Louise Smalley Walk is 100% proof, if proof were needed. This is a charity walk that more than redresses the balance, where indifferent practice and bad press about an unfortunate minority have overshadowed the fabulous efforts of the majority. Long live the charity walk and the charities they support.
Tim Glenn
20.09.13
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