About Walking Home For Christmas
Why do we walk?
For many, winter and Christmas are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but for some of the veterans we support, that isn’t their reality. Instead, winter can be a difficult time for them.
For over 10 years, Walking Home For Christmas has connected communities throughout the UK, all with the same aim: to support those who served. With that common goal, combined with your walks and fundraising efforts, you can help us to deliver life-changing support to the ex-Armed Forces community, helping them to get back on track and keep moving forward.
"As a 24 year veteran I am one of the lucky ones who found a great job when I left military service. My wife and I have completed the WHFC in numerous countries across the globe and will continue to support this amazing cause for as long as we can to veterans who are not as lucky as I was."
Gary, WWTW supporter and veteran
15 years of achievement
To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re revisiting our roots this Walking Home For Christmas, and bringing a new element to the campaign: Long Way Home.
Long Way Home is a nod to our early expedition days and will see the original pulk from our North and South pole expeditions be pulled from the cenotaph in London to our Newcastle office, stopping at our Manchester hub along the way.
Participants will have the opportunity to take on a leg of the journey, pulling the pulk and being a part of history.
How do you get started with your own walk?
Step 1
Sign up
Create your fundraising page and start planning your challenge
Step 2
Fundraise
Join forces with family, friends and colleagues to raise money
Step 3
Walk
Big or small, it's time to put your walk into motion
Step 4
Make a difference
Your donations help us to reignite the sense of purpose of ex-servicemen and women
What challenge can you set?
Create a number challenge
Walk 12 miles on 12 December or do 10,000 steps per day during December.
Do a good deed
Consider delivering a parcel to a friend or go for a walk and socialise with a neighbour.
Walk from A to B
Walk to a local war memorial or barracks and back to work or your home.
Get creative
Create your own Strava Art message to map out your support.
Inspiration
See our archive favourite fundraiser challenges.
See how oragnisations like to get involved.
Learn how to get the most out of your fundraising.
Why should you consider taking part?
Your mission this Christmas might not win you medals but it will make a massive difference to all those who served and need our help and support. By raising vital funds, you will enable us to continue to provide mental health support, employment opportunities and wraparound support care coordination - right where its needed most.
Feel better. Study after study shows the positive benefits of being in the great outdoors.
Reforge old connections. As well as keeping existing ones strong by pulling a team together.
Be role model. You will be the focal point for your family, friends and colleagues’ charity activities this Christmas.
Be supporting those who served. You’ll support ex-military personnel who’ve walked in far more dangerous places for us.
What are the benefits?
Resilience
Taking on a challenge whatever the weather – put in perspective by the experiences of our ex-military.
Friendship
It’s the perfect excuse to call old friends and have a shared adventure.
Networking
Spend time with people you need to spend time with while doing good.
Fitness
Have a goal in the diary to boost your fitness regime or kickstart a new fitness journey.
Mental Health
Walking can improve your well-being, relieve anxiety and depression and spark creativity.
Promotion
Use it as a tool to engage staff or customers and show your company's support for ex-military.
Don't forget the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
By taking part in Walking Home For Christmas you are showing your support and if you can get your employer or organisation involved it is a simple way for them to activate or start their commitment to the covenant and work towards their bronze, silver or gold employer recognition awards.
Important Notice
As the nights get colder and darker, please ensure you are appropriately dressed and have the correct footwear if it is wet or icy. If you are walking on a road, ensure you are wearing bright and/or reflective clothing. Before starting your challenge, be sure to check all health and safety risks.
Will you join us and make a difference?
This Christmas, bring your family, friends and colleagues to join Walking With The Wounded's nationwide seasonal fundraiser.