Helping Herts co-founders Gordon Morrison and Jim Tatchell have completed their fourth annual Founders 6-Marathon Challenge — walking 156 miles across Hertfordshire in just 12 days to raise money for children and young people across the county.

The challenge, which kicked off in Bishop's Stortford on 12 May, is the equivalent of walking six marathons back-to-back. Along the way, nearly 100 participants joined the pair, including families, seasoned hikers, local business teams, volunteers, and even a few four legged friends.

This year's challenge raised an incredible £45,000 for Hertfordshire-based charities including Herts Young Homeless, Grove Cottage, and Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT). The money will help fund vital services for children and young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, learning disabilities, and homelessness.

Gordon Morrison, co-founder of Helping Herts, said: "Taking on this challenge for the fourth time has been tough but incredibly rewarding. The support we've received has been overwhelming. Every step we take, alongside the amazing walkers, means more help and hope for local families."

Jim Tatchell added: "It has been a delight to meet each of the fabulous charities that we are working with this year and to make real connections with each of them. There are recurring themes that emerge as we walk and talk, such as the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to address issues and challenges in our young people's lives as effectively as possible.

"It has also been very valuable to include a number of our key corporate supporters in these conversations, so that their social impact can be very clearly defined and understood. That alone makes the effort of walking what sometimes feels like a relentless challenge worthwhile!"

The Founders 6-Marathon Challenge is part of Helping Herts' ongoing mission to support 12 partner charities working with children and young people in every corner of the county.

To donate or learn more:

https://thegreatbigwalkforherts2024.heroes.help/campaigns/Helping-Herts5