WALK4MATT 2024 KICKS OFF AT THE PREMIERSHIP RUGBY FINAL
Walk4Matt will turn back the clock in June with a route based on its earliest years and there is still a chance to sign up and join as a weekly or daily participant.
The event was first staged by the Matt Hampson Foundation back in 2009 as a fundraiser for its work in inspiring and supporting young people who have been seriously injured through sport and this summer the event returns to its spiritual home of the Grand Union Canal to link two historic sporting locations.
The route kicks off at Twickenham for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final – the showpiece occasion in the professional club calendar – and heads north to finish at Braunston near the game’s birthplace in Rugby for a total of 100 miles during the opening week in June.
Walkers are accommodated on a fleet of eight narrowboats which negotiate 100 locks along the route.
All sponsorship, donations and raffle ticket sales help the Foundation’s work with young people facing life-changing injury.
Rugby legends Dean Richards and Darren Garforth were among the participants in 2023 and there will be some former players on board again this June.
Walk4Matt 2024 programme
Saturday June 8th to Friday June 14th 2024
- Featuring 100 miles and 100 locks of the Grand Union Canal
- Kicking off at the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham
- Canal route from Brentford Lock to Braunston near Rugby
- End-of-event party at CV22 in Rugby
The Matt Hampson Foundation has ambitious plans to extend facilities at its Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire and all fundraising from major events plays a big part in this exciting new chapter in its story.
With this in mind, each Walk4Matt participant is expected to raise a minimum of £750 in sponsorship and/or donations plus a £250 non-returnable deposit to reserve a place.
A few places are still available to sign up for the week. If you are interested and can commit to achieving the total fundraising target of £1,000 please email jane@hambo.co.uk. You will then receive details of how to register and start your fundraising.
If you cannot commit to a full week away from home or work, or to raise at least £1,000 in sponsorship, there are still opportunities to play a part in supporting the event and the Foundation:
- Join Walk4Matt as a day walker
- Buy raffle tickets
- Make a donation
- Sponsor a participant via the Walk4Matt page here.
- Sell our Walk4Matt raffle tickets
- Have your own sponsored walk nearer home or at a favourite location
- Encourage your employer to organise a day’s walk with colleagues or to match any funds you raise as an individual
Walk4Matt 2024 Route
Saturday 8th June
Brentford to Twickenham for Premiership Rugby Final
Sunday 9th June Brentford to Rickmansworth
Monday 10th June Rickmansworth to Berkhamsted
Tuesday 11th June Berkhamsted to Stoke Hammond
Wednesday 12th June Stoke Hammond to Cosgrove
Thursday 13th June Cosgrove to Weedon
Friday 14th June Weedon to Braunston, Rugby
For more information on getting involved in Walk4Matt, email jane@hambo.co.uk or gary@hambo.co.uk
