This year’s Walk For Wellbeing in support of Hospitality Action, which took place across the UK between 8th - 16th October, has raised a total of £90,000. An official cheque with the final amount was today presented to Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, Mark Lewis.

At a time when the cost of living continues to increase and many hospitality business are struggling to survive, the funds raised will be donated to industry charity Hospitality Action who support all those who work, or have worked, in the UK hospitality sector. From the start of 2020 until now, Hospitality Action has awarded well over 9,000 grants totalling £2.8 million pounds: more than any other period in their 185 year history. Already this autumn Hospitality Action have experienced a 30% increase in applications for financial support while more than 50% of applicants are presenting with household arrears such as rent or utilities placing many at risk of homelessness. Meanwhile 35% of beneficiaries are directly referencing mental health issues in their application, often reporting that this is exacerbated by financial problems. 

Walk For Wellbeing saw the hospitality industry pull together to fundraise for the cause, with donations being used to support the mental, emotional and financial wellbeing of those within the industry. The nation were challenged to put on their walking shoes and join either a hosted 20km walk in London, Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow or a ‘take part any time’ challenge.

Founder of UK hospitality talent partner, mum and Walk For Wellbeing, Craig Prentice, said: “I’m in absolute awe of how people have rallied and got involved with this year’s Walk For Wellbeing in support of Hospitality Action. In true hospitality spirit, people have come together to make great things happen. With a challenging few months ahead for the industry, it feels amazing to have raised £90,000. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everybody involved in this project especially to those who walked and donated.”

Mark Lewis, Chief Executive, Hospitality Action says: “This year’s Walk for Wellbeing was a triumph and the fact that £90,000 has been raised is testimony to the generosity and determination of all those who took part. In a time of uncertainty, it is encouraging to see that we can rely on our amazing supporters to go the extra mile to raise money for hospitality families facing crisis this winter.”

Walk For Wellbeing is powered by UK hospitality talent partner, mum, in partnership with Caterer.com, Davidson Asset Management (DAM) and The Caterer. The campaign is also supported by Sean Wheeler Consulting Limited, Lexington Catering, Tonic Talent, The Manchester Hoteliers Association and The Relationship.