* Main Photo courtesy of Tom Jenkins / The Guardian

Sponsored Walk & Wheelchair Challenge 2026

Why we're fundraising

At The CiaO Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, so our mission is to turn Challenge into Opportunity. We help individuals and families, and group organisations, access the support they need to improve their wellbeing, independence and quality of life. Every donation helps us continue creating opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, enabling people to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest.

About the event

The sponsored walk will start and finish at Oaken Grove Vineyard, between Henley and Marlow. Walkers can choose between the 5 mile, 10 mile or 15 mile route, each with different start times, commencing at 10.30am for the 15 mile route. With the staggered start times, the intention is for all walkers to finish back at the vineyard at around 4.00pm for sandwiches, scones, tea or coffee…or even a glass of something stronger. The routes will take us through woodland, beautiful countryside and along the River Thames near Henley.

Meanwhile, wheelchair athletes and previous grant recipients will take on a similar challenge nearby, at the Little Marlow athletics track.

Fundraising

Your sponsorship will directly contribute to the CiaO Foundation providing these life-changing opportunities and help many more individuals or organisations overcome their challenges through sport or other means. Those like the Weir Archer Academy, where expert coaching and training empower wheelchair athletes to reach their highest potential. The academy, led by David Weir (6 x Olympic Gold medals) and Jenny Archer, provide an inspiring environment for disabled athletes to compete at elite levels. However, they need financial support to cover capital expenditures and running costs to keep these opportunities alive. We will be joined by the wheelchair athletes, coaches and colleagues from the Weir Archer Academy on the day and a significant part of the funds raised will be donated by CiaO to fund much needed equipment.

Please join us in making a difference by sponsoring this Walk & Wheelchair Challenge, or alternatively please do join us on Sunday October 4th!