Organised by Story
The Great Southern Walk is raising funds for two life-changing charities - Rising Sun and Prince of Wales Youth Club.
On this page you can make a donation towards their work.
If you've got entry tickets for the walk and want to set up a fundraising page for your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you taking on the challenge - please click the orange 'Start fundraising' button to set up your personal fundraising page.
All funds raised on Just Giving will be split equally between the two charities.
If you want to buy tickets for the walk, please go to
Thank you for your support!
Every pound raised supports survivors of domestic abuse through Rising Sun and young people at Prince of Wales Youth Club.
The inaugural Great Southern Walk takes place on Sunday 14th September, starting and ending in Thanington, with two routes to choose from for all ages and abilities.
The challenging 15 mile (24km) route takes you high on the Kent Downs with long views of open rolling hills and valleys, into the depths of ancient woodlands, passing hidden gem hamlets and beside the waters of the River Stour. Most of the route lies within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The shorter, more relaxed 5 mile (8km) route takes you along the River Stour and its water meadows, past ancient ruins, with fine views of Canterbury city, through to the children’s playground at Toddlers Cove, before following the river path back to the finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or enjoy a Sunday stroll, The Great Southern Walk is the perfect community event. Every step raises vital funds and awareness for two life-changing charities who have supported their local community for decades.
Rising Sun empower and support adults and children impacted by domestic abuse in Canterbury, Ashford, and Folkestone & Hythe.
The Prince of Wales Youth Club provides a safe, friendly and structured environment for young people to thrive, develop life skills and confidence.
What better way to get involved and support your community than to walk together, enjoying the beautiful countryside we live in.
Join us on Sunday 14th September and be part of our community.
The charities:
Rising Sun empowers and supports adults and children impacted by domestic abuse in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.
Domestic abuse is a blight on our communities. In fact, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. The impact is devastating and long-lasting, affecting someone’s mental, emotional, physical, social, and financial wellbeing. 1 in 5 children have lived or are living with a parent experiencing domestic abuse. These children are considered victims in their own right and suffer both short and long-term emotional and behaviour effects.
Rising Sun provides life changing - and sometimes life-saving - specialist services to survivors from age 5 upwards through mentoring, counselling, group programmes, emergency safeguarding, supported accommodation and weekly drop-in services. Helping them towards safety, recovery and to rebuild their lives.
“My Rising Sun key worker has been my rock over the time we have been in contact, she has helped me in more ways than she will ever know. I’ll be forever grateful for her help and guidance for the rest of my life."
Prince of Wales Youth Club provides a safe and friendly environment for young people to flourish, supporting children and young people to gain new skills and combat issues they are facing.
Over the last 15 years, the UK has experienced a significant 60% decline in funding for youth services. This has led to over 1,200 closures of youth centres. leaving many young people without safe and structured spaces to go and the loss of social opportunities and connections.
The lack of youth clubs can increase the likelihood of young people engaging in risky behaviours, have poor educational outcomes, and lead to isolation and mental health struggles.
The Prince of Wales Youth Club offers young people the opportunity to develop confidence, gain life skills, and a sense of community, alongside the guidance of positive mentors. They provide Junior and Senior Youth Clubs, Summer and Holiday projects, Boxing and Judo, and Pathways Programmes.
Joey Wicks, Centre Co-ordinator, says “my passion is to ensure that we provide a fully inclusive service and break down any barriers that can reduce a child or young person’s life chances.”