Smile gets bigger as charity launches new series of fundraising walks in the North-East

The Walk and Talk Trust, supported by The Northern Echo, launched The Big Smile campaign last year, organising a series of fundraising walks, with the proceeds being used to buy almost 1,000 pairs of walking boots for schoolchildren.

So far in its second year, the charity has engaged more than 9,000 of County Durham’s primary schoolchildren in the ‘Home Walk Project’ – a free initiative with youngsters given resources to encourage them to explore the countryside with a responsible adult.

Now, the trust has announced details of The Big Smile 2022 – a new series of guided fundraising walks for adults, taking place between July 25 and 30, at Raby Castle, the Tynemouth coast, Derwent Reservoir, Roseberry Topping, Beamish Museum and High Force.

Again, the proceeds will be used to encourage a new generation of walkers by funding free pairs of boots.

The trust’s Chief Executive, Geoff Simpson, said: “The charity exceeded expectations in its first year and it was a joy to be able to give away so many walking boots at North-East schools.

“Now, we want to build on that success through the Home Walk Project and The Big Smile 2022, which will showcase the best of the North-East’s iconic views, heritage and wildlife.”

Barratt Homes, EMG Solicitors, Manolete Partners, and North Group are the latest North-East businesses to come on board as sponsors of The Big Smile, joining the likes of Eversheds Sutherland, Greggs, and Newcastle Building Society.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, which is part of the Barratt Developments Group, are sponsoring the first of The Big Smile 2022 walks at Raby Castle and have agreed to pay for walking boots for Year 5 pupils at West Park Academy, which is close to one of its housing developments, The Orchard at West Park, in Darlington.

Marketing Executive, Charlotte O’Connor, said: “We’re always keen to support the communities in which we build and get involved in community events and fundraising, which is why we’re really looking forward to being a part of The Big Smile 2022.

"Getting children to spend less time with technology and more time outside in the fresh air, exploring with their families and friends, is really important to us so we’re thrilled to be supporting such a good cause.”

Ian Burke, Head of People and Culture at EMG Solicitors, said: “Our experience with The Big Smile in 2021 was so positive that we have subsequently supported the Home Walk Project, and we had no hesitation in agreeing to be a campaign sponsor for The Big Smile 2022.”

Andrew Cawkwell, Associate Director and Head of Business Development at specialist insolvency litigation financing company Manolete Partners, added: “Helping children to connect with their environment, with nature and, most importantly, with their families, is really important work and something we are very pleased to be associated with.”

Kim Rogerson, Senior Executive (Communications) at global marine insurance company North Group, announced that the company’s support would include supplying free walking boots to Year 5 children at St Michael’s RC Primary School, in Elswick, Newcastle.

• For more details, go to: www.bigsmileuk.co.uk