YMCA DownsLink Challenge Sponsored Walk Is Back

Published on: 17 May, 2022
Updated on: 23 May, 2022

Walkers are invited to take part in the YMCA DownsLink Challenge on Saturday, July 16, with sponsored walk options along the DownsLink pathway.

This year’s YMCA DownsLink Challenge walk is on Saturday, July 16.

The YMCA, with a centre in Bridge Street, Guildford, says: “At the inaugural walk last year 150 people took part raising £16,000, which went towards providing a safe place to live for more than 750 young people, every night of the year.

“Money also went towards enabling young people to develop the skills needed to live independently when ready.”

To build on the success of last year, the charity has set an ambitious target for this year’s event and is aiming to sign up 500 participants and raise £30,000 to help fund its vital services.

There are a number of walk or run options. See below for details.

The DownsLink Pathway is a disused railway line which links Surrey to West Sussex (Guildford to Shoreham by Sea) is how YMCA DownsLink Group got its name.

The charity is the largest provider of youth services in Sussex and Surrey and supports more than 6,000 vulnerable young people and their families every year.

Although best known for its work to prevent youth homelessness by providing supported housing to young people in need, the charity also provides a range of advice, support and counselling services to vulnerable young people in crisis.

In the past two years the charity has seen around a 50% increase in the number of young people reaching out for its support.

Participants can choose whether to walk or run the 17.5 miles from Horsham to Shoreham, or for anyone feeling super fit, or wanting a bigger challenge, there is an option to do the full 36 miles from Guildford to Shoreham.

Everyone is being asked to raise a minimum of £75 and anyone raising over £150 will be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of ‘goodies’.

For anyone unable to join on the day or wanting to take on a challenge a bit closer to home, there is also the option to do a challenge in your own area and in your own time.

Alternative routes are provided on YMCA DownsLink’s website.

Registration is £20 which covers the cost of putting on the event and includes a branded T-shirt and finisher’s medal.

To sign up or for more information, visit: www.ymcadlg.org/ymca-downslink-challenge