We Did It! The Guildford Hard of Hearing Support Group's Sponsored Walk — A Day to Remember
The Walking Team … where’s Vanessa?
Elmo, the Hearing Dog we sponsor
Sunday 17th May turned out to be a glorious day for walking. The clouds threatened once or twice, but the rain never materialised — and seven Guildford Hard of Hearing Support Group walkers set off from Shalford Park into some of the most beautiful countryside Surrey has to offer.
We were honoured to have the newly elected Mayor of Guildford, Jane Tyson, on hand to send us on our way — and we're delighted to report she didn't just wave us off, but laced up her own boots and joined us for a stretch of the route too. Better still, she stayed to the very end to personally greet every finisher as they came in — a wonderfully warm gesture that meant a great deal to all our walkers. You can follow the Mayor's civic activities at www.guildford.gov.uk/mayor or on Facebook at @GuildfordMayoralty.
A tremendous effort from every one of our walkers — Celia, Vanessa, Ted, Susan, Julian, Helen and Bob — who took on distances ranging from 2 to 10 miles. Those tackling the longer routes will also tell you, with some feeling, that it got decidedly muddy at one point. All part of the Surrey experience. Helen and Bob, who completed the 10-mile route, are quietly insisting they actually covered 11 — and given the state of their boots, we're not inclined to argue.
Bob and Helen Meet Jane Tyson, newly appointed Mayor of Guildford, who joined the walk and greeted everyone at the end.
There’s Vanessa negotiating the muddy path behind Celia. Each of them have their own approach to this tricky slope.
The route was a treat. Following the River Wey and the Wey Navigation, taking in the open heathland of Blackheath, and winding through the historic Chilworth Gunpowder Mills Trail, it was Surrey at its absolute greenest. A reminder, for those of us who spend too much time at a desk, of quite how spectacular this corner of England can be.
A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Guildford, who once again organised everything brilliantly. Events like this don't happen without a great deal of work behind the scenes, and we are genuinely grateful for their partnership year after year.
The money raised will be shared between three brilliant organisations working to make life better for people affected by hearing loss at every stage of life:
The Guildford Hard of Hearing Support Group — that's us! Supporting adults with hearing loss across Guildford and West Surrey since 1947. www.guildfordhoh.org.uk
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People — training dogs to alert deaf people to life-changing sounds and provide companionship and confidence.
The National Deaf Children's Society — the leading charity for deaf children and young people, providing support, advice and advocacy for families across the UK.
We're thrilled to confirm that pledges have already topped £1,400 — and with donations still coming in, the final total promises to be even better. We'll share the full figure here once all pledges are collected.
Inspired to get involved?
If today's walk has brought you here for the first time, we'd love to welcome you to the Guildford Hard of Hearing Support Group. We run lipreading courses for all levels, and our members come from right across West Surrey. Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply want to connect with others who understand — there's a place for you here.
Find out more or get in touch at www.guildfordhoh.org.uk, email us at askghoh@hotmail.com or text 07761 000549.
— The Guildford Hard of Hearing Support Group Walk Team