FOR the second year running one of South Essex's major fundraising events is going to be held virtually.

Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron is the man behind the annual Fun walk which has raised more than a million pounds for good causes since its inception in 2002 to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

In its first year the event, which is based at Barleylands, raised £6,000 for six charities and projects and since then has never stopped growing – becoming a charity (The Fun walk Trust) in its own right in 2013.

Mr Baron continues his active role with the charity as chair of the trustees who organise the annual walk leaving organisations free to focus on raising sponsorship money and enjoying the event.

The event is not confined to charities, any good cause or project may join in once approved by the Trust. For example, many pre-schools and schools, churches and community groups now regularly participate.

The 'bonus pot' is a unique feature of The Fun Walk and is donated by generous local businesses and individuals and is shared out among those taking part – further boosting the impact the event has on the local community.

For 2020, in the light of the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the recognition that local charities and good causes needed help more than ever, the trustees made the decision to change to a Virtual Fun Walk and raised £103,000 for local charities and good causes – bringing the total raised to £1,272,000 since the Fun Walk's inception.

Given the continuing situation organisers plan to stay virtual for 2021. Organisations will be invited to register for the virtual event, with their supporters able to walk the distance (2k or 5k) anytime during the month.

You can find out more and sign up via [L] http://thefunwalktrust.co.uk/ [L]this link[.L]