The West London Queer Project (WLQP) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 10K Walk & Celebration Event in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. During Pride Month on Saturday 8 June, it’s expected over 500 people will set off from Hammersmith and walk 10 kilometres around the river Thames followed by an afternoon of incredible entertainment from fantastic drag artists. The event aims to promote community wellness, celebrate physical activity, as well as raise awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of West London.

The 10K Walk & Celebration Event promises to be a day filled with fun, fitness, and community. Everyone is invited to join in the walk, which will wind through scenic routes showcasing the natural beauty of West London.

This is the second year of the event, with the walk in 2023 proving to be a huge success with over 250 people joining to show their support, including BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine, Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, plus sponsorships from Porsche West London, Pub In The Park, The Chiswick Cinema, George IV pub, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

While fundraising is not compulsory, WLQP encourages participants to help raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Those who choose to fundraise will automatically be entered into a prize draw with exciting prizes to be won. Details of a shared fundraising page will be shared soon.

The Route

Starting at the picturesque Furnival Gardens on Hammersmith Riverside, participants will meet at 9am for registration, followed by a warm-up session at 9:50am before the walk begins promptly at 10am.

The route will take walkers across the iconic Hammersmith Bridge, along the south side of the river Thames, passing by the picturesque Barnes and stunning Mortlake areas before crossing over Chiswick Bridge. The home stretch will lead participants through Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Mall, culminating at The Black Lion pub.

Attendees can look forward to performances from the hilarious Beary Poppins and the gorgeous Luna Cortez, with more acts to be announced soon.

The route will be clearly marked, with maps available, and marshals will be stationed along the route to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Quotes

“To me, Pride Month is all about love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ Community. Since being on my journey, my good friend Audbrey Crawley who founded WLQP, has been of great support for me. I’m looking forward to the second year of the 10k walk around the river and having a really joyful, fun day in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. Looking forward to seeing you there!” said Zoe Louise Nixon, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease two years ago.

"We are excited to host our second 10K Walk & Celebration Event during pride month to create an opportunity to promote inclusivity, physical activity, and community within the LGBTQ+ community in West London and beyond, as well as raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease" said Aubrey Crawley, Founder of WLQP. "My friend Zoe was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in late 2022, and it was through her diagnosis that I realised how little I knew of this dreadful disease, and how little awareness and funding it receives. In light of Zoe's diagnosis, we added fundraising to our 'Pride Month 10k Walk & Celebration' to bring some much needed awareness to MND. Last year, over 250 took part and this year we're hoping to double that number! I hope that you can join us for a really fun and important day!”

Tickets

Earlybird entry to join the 10K Walk & Celebration Event is £20 and includes a Progressive Pride Flag Cape or flag, a commemorative medal, a pint of lager or a soft drink at The Black Lion pub, as well as a burger (beef, chicken and vegetarian options will be available). Tickets will be £25 from 1 May.

Tickets are available on WLQP’s website:

www.wlqp.org/event-details/10k-walk-celebration

Join us as we step forward together in support of the LGBTQ+ community and raise important funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease during the WLQP’s 10K Walk & Celebration Event on Saturday 8 June.

May 7, 2024