Charity walk receives Paralympic seal of approval

Sophia, who competed in the Women’s T35 100m and 200m and came fourth in both, will cut the ribbon to launch the A2B Walk, entitled ‘A Walk on the Child Side’.

Sophia has cerebral palsy; this is why she is so keen to participate in the walk, which will be raising money for The Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

She is a hugely successful athlete, having won medals in the 2012 IPC Athletics European Championships and 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships.

Sophia also travels around the country, speaking to children, employees and business people about the power of positive thinking, something that has clearly stood her in good stead in her career as the Commercial Director of British Athletics.

The 35km A2B walk will take place on Saturday, September 14, starting from the spectacular Arundel Castle, spanning across the stunning landscape of the South Downs before finishing at Devil’s Dyke on the outskirts of Brighton.

Sophia, who lives near Dorking, will be completing the shorter walk option, which goes from Arundel Castle to Kithurst Hill, near Storrington, covering just over 12km.

The walk is being organised by Billingshurst marketing company PMW Communications.

Their Managing Director, Peter Sutton, commented: “I am thrilled that Sophia is supporting our walk.

“To have a Paralympic athlete taking part is incredibly exciting; the fact that Sophia has cerebral palsy and has two young children makes it so much more meaningful as she truly understands the day to day challenges that the children and their families face.”

PMW are partnering with another Billingshurst company, Pied a Terre Adventures, which specialises in organising walking and outdoor experiences.

Kirstie Betts, of Pied A Terre, is keen for business teams, families and individuals to take part: “At Pied a Terre we are delighted that we are involved in this event.

“We think that it is going to be a memorable day for everyone who takes part. I have seen for myself the work that the Dame Vera Lynn Trust does to help babies and little children with cerebral palsy and other motor related disabilities and it is absolutely wonderful.

It is vital that we help raise money to keep that going.”

To register, or for more information on the A2B Walk, please visit www.patadventures.com/charity-event or call 01403 788994.

Pictured here is Sophia Warner and PMW managing director Peter Sutton on a training walk.