£10,968.02 raised on our first annual 20km Sponsored Walk!
On 19th September 2026, a fantastic group of walkers came together to take on our 20km sponsored walk across the South Downs. The group was made up of individuals, families and corporate teams, all setting off with the same goal in mind, to raise money for a good cause. And by the end of the day, they’d raised an incredible £10,968.02, including Gift Aid, for Horsham Matters.
And so it begins…
The day began at Riverside Café, South Downs, where everyone gathered to get ready for the walk ahead over some breakfast and a coffee. There was plenty of chatter and last-minute preparation as walkers met the people they’d be spending the day with. Some walking alongside colleagues as part of a corporate team, others taking on the challenge as individuals or with family and friends. Whatever the reason for being there, everyone shared the same sense of excitement about the 20km ahead.
Taking the first steps
Once underway, the walk settled into its rhythm. With Pied à Terre guiding the route from start to finish, walkers were able to focus on the challenge itself rather than worrying about where they were headed next. Something everyone was hugely grateful for, especially as the walk went on and legs began to tire. The route took the group across the South Downs, and it wasn’t long before individuals and corporate teams alike found themselves walking together, swapping stories, networking and sharing a smile as the miles ticked by. Richard, Director of Pied à Terre, told us:
“We are absolutely delighted to have been invited by Horsham Matters to create and lead an exciting 20km charity challenge walk as part of the charity’s anniversary. The route took the walkers through the South Downs countryside and villages within the Horsham District where Horsham Matters play a vital role. As Pied A Terre Adventures Lead Guide and our team of fantastic guides, we enabled all 50 walkers to successfully complete the challenge walk. With the demand on the charity only increasing, actively supporting Horsham Matters and their amazing fundraisers in completing the walk and raising almost £11k is a huge personal honour.”
A welcome stop came at St Marys church in Storrington, providing a well-timed stop, walkers had the chance to rest for a moment before tackling the second half of the route. Further along the route, The Crown Inn, Cootham offered a proper refreshment break, hosting bacon rolls, water and soft drinks for the walkers. This is exactly the boost many needed to keep going and tackle the last 7km. RSPB Pulborough Brooks provided the final break, giving legs one last rest before the final push to the finish.
A day of community spirit
What really stood out across the day was the atmosphere. When the going got tough, spirits stayed high right the way through. There was a genuine sense of community among the group, with individuals and corporate teams cheering each other on, checking in on one another, and pushing through the last few kilometres together. By the time The Oddfellow Arms came into view, marking the finish line, there was a real wave of relief and pride amongst everyone.
None of it would have been possible without Compass Travel, Chartwell Bus Sales and James the bus driver, who made sure everyone got to the start and back home again safe and sound. A small but important part of the day that let walkers focus purely on the challenge in front of them.
By the end of the day, tired but proud, the group had not only completed a demanding 20km route but had also raised a brilliant £10,968.02, including Gift Aid. That’s money that will go directly towards supporting people across the Horsham District who are facing hardship, a fitting result for a day built entirely on people coming together and helping one another over the finish line. Here’s just one example of the difference that support makes.
Mrs P’s story:
Mrs P came to us exhausted and struggling with her mental health, worried about how she would pay the bills and feed her family. She cares for her two sons, one of whom has a disability, and when she had to reduce her working hours to look after her grandmother, her money worries grew even further.
Our friendly team gave her a listening ear and reassured her that help was available. The foodbank eased the immediate pressure, and our outreach and support team gave her advice on extra benefits and helped her complete the forms she found difficult.
She said: “Knowing I can access the foodbank when in crisis improves my mental health as it takes the worry and guilt away. The constant feeling of not doing enough for the children is exhausting and this really helps.”
“I delayed reaching out for foodbank support at first due to the stigma and feeling like others must need it more, despite not being able to make ends meet. The foodbank volunteers made me feel really welcome.”
Save the date: 18th September 2027
If you weren’t able to join us this year, here’s your chance for next time. We’re already looking ahead to 18th September 2027, and whether you’re an individual after a new challenge or a business wanting to get a team involved, we’d love to have you with us. Save the date now – we can’t wait to see even more people join us next year. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here’s what Declan from Indigo Tax, who took part in this year’s walk, had to say:
“Thank you also for organising the event, not only was it a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the charity, but it also allowed me to network for lots of interesting people, as well as finally meet some of my team at Indigo. All of us being remote makes that harder that it otherwise could be, so thank you for that!”
For more information about how to get involved with next years 20km sponsored walk. Click here
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