MORE than 100 people donned their walking shoes to take part in the Harp Spring Walk to raise an impressive amount of money for the charity.

Walking from Priory Park in Southend, to Belfairs Woodland Centre in Leigh, walkers took part in aid of the charity that supports over 1000 people to overcome homelessness each year.

Harp endeavours to empower people to overcome their own personal problems and that ethos was at the very heart of this challenge.

Being able to manage a three-and-a-half mile walk is something that many take for granted.

But the event was a huge achievement for some of Harp’s participants, from toddlers who were still finding their stride, to participants overcoming poor health.

As a result, the HARP Spring Walk was overwhelmed with diversity and camaraderie.

Maria Clark, who has been suffering with poor health for some time, walked to Belfairs Woodland Centre and back to Priory Park again with her daughter Rosie and their dog Cookie, and raised £130 for Harp.

They walked seven miles that day which was a huge achievement for Ms Clark, who said “a few years ago I’d never have dreamed of walking unaided, let alone a full seven miles.”

The walk boasted a diverse selection of people, all of whom were there to show their support and solidarity for those who are homeless in Southend.

Harp’s community fundraiser, Lisa Walton, said: “It’s amazing what can happen when a community pulls together.

“Our Spring Walkers raised over £4,000 which will go a long way to helping us end rough sleeping in Southend, and more than that, they fully embraced the day putting the ‘fun’ into fundraising.

“Our event was positively buzzing with families enjoying time together and this would not have been possible without the support we received from our event marshals and volunteers, the Belfairs Woodland Centre, and the 55th Leigh Scouts.

“We would like to thank all of those who supported the event, we look forward to seeing you again next year”

Other Spring Walk participants include Rebecca Ravinet and her family who raised an impressive £315 for the charity.

“Ms Ravinet said: “We chose to support Harp as it is a very worthwhile local charity for the homeless.

“It was nice to do the spring walk and raise money for a really good cause at the same time.

“It was particularly enjoyable as we did it as a family, the weather was lovely and we raised lots of money to put towards this wonderful charity.

“We are looking forward to next year’s walk.”

Harp’s next fundraising event is HARP24, which is a 24-hour relay race taking place at Westcliff Rugby Club on June 24 and 25.

For more information about taking part in the event and other fundraisers, visit harpsouthend.org/events