The Ware community is being encouraged to step up for Wodson Park this summer as supporters prepare to take on a 27-mile fundraising challenge to support the charity.
The Waterloo to Wodson walk, organised by French and Day Delicatessen in partnership with Wodson Park, will take place on Sunday, June 28, bringing together Ware residents, families, businesses and community groups in support of Friends of Wodson Park.
Participants will set off from London Waterloo Station before making the marathon-length journey back to Wodson Park, raising vital funds to help support the charity’s work and community initiatives.
The fundraiser aims to bring together residents, families, businesses and community groups in a shared effort centred on wellbeing, participation and local pride. Organisers hope supporters of all ages and abilities will get involved, whether by taking part in the walk itself or donating through the event’s JustGiving page.
Jan Stock, CEO of Wodson Park, said: “We’re delighted to see Wodson Park at the heart of another community-led initiative. Our aim has always been to provide a space where people can come together, stay active and feel part of something bigger and this event reflects that perfectly.
“It’s fantastic to be working alongside French and Day Delicatessen. Partnerships like this help strengthen local ties and ensure Wodson Park continues to be a welcoming hub for the whole community.”
The event builds on the success of French and Day Delicatessen’s 2025 Trek to the Tower fundraiser, which saw participants walk 26 miles from the café in Ware to the Tower of London. Following the success of last year’s challenge, organisers are encouraging customers, residents and businesses to once again get behind the event.
Thomas Day and Thomas French, founders of French and Day Delicatessen, said: “Ware is so lucky to have an amazing sports and leisure facility like Wodson Park and we want to do our bit to support it. Many people may not realise that Wodson Park is a charity because of the huge range of facilities and activities it provides. It’s far more than just a sports centre and plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and bringing people together across Ware.
“We’re really excited to see people come together for a great cause – now we’re just hoping for good weather on the day.”
Once walkers arrive back at Wodson Park, they will be invited to celebrate their achievement at a drinks reception in the Old Charm Bar, with friends and family encouraged to join in the festivities.
Thomas Day said: “The beauty of finishing back in Ware is that we can invite friends and family to join us at the end of the walk and celebrate together. It’s about community as much as fundraising.”
Get involved today
Whether you’re taking on the full 27 miles, making a donation or cheering walkers across the finish line, your support will help make a lasting difference to Wodson Park and the people it serves.
Every contribution helps Wodson Park continue providing accessible facilities, community programmes and opportunities that support health, wellbeing and connection across Ware.
To support the Waterloo to Wodson challenge, please donate via: https://www.justgiving.com/page/waterloo-to-wodson
