Varsity March walkers complete 82-mile walk to support homeless charities

Varsity March wonder walkers journeyed from Oxford to Cambridge to support homeless charities.

Over the weekend, the group of 17 adventurers, accompanied by a stuffed sheep mascot named Dylan, partook in the annual event to raise funds for the Gatehouse in Oxford and Jimmy's in Cambridge, making generous strides to support their community.

Varsity March walkers walking through Magdalen College (Image: The Gatehouse)

Participants ranged from current students to alumni from both Cambridge University Rambling Club and Oxford University Walking Club.

Surprisingly, a few brave participants complete the remarkable 82-mile walk annually over a single weekend.

This year, a total of three walkers, the event organiser Stephanie, Tommy, and Dylan the sheep, accomplished the full distance.

Notably, Stephanie has completed this feat a staggering 18 times, a record bested solely by Dylan the sheep with 20 finishes.

The Varsity March walkers in front of the Radcliffe Camera (Image: The Gatehouse)

But, why do they take on such an extreme physical challenge?

The organiser, Stephanie, shared her motivation for taking on this arduous journey, including not just a love for walking but a desire to aid a noble cause.

Stephanie said: "We all like walking and we love a challenge, which sums up the Varsity March.

"Walking over 130 kilometres is a stretch even for experienced walkers.

"The added bonus is that we raise funds for two very important local charities which are doing a great job supporting homeless people in Oxford and Cambridge."

If you missed the event, you can still show your support by donating to the event’s JustGiving page.

The participants are a mix of current and former students who are members of Cambridge University Rambling Club or Oxford University Walking Club (Image: The Gatehouse)

David Kay, the fundraising manager for the Gatehouse, was there to cheer them on.

He further expressed continuous awe at the tenacity of the participants and sincere appreciation for their fundraising efforts.

Mr Kay said:"Every year I’m impressed by the turnout at this event, and I’m still amazed that anybody manages to walk the whole distance.

"At the Gatehouse we’re extremely grateful for the funds that they raise to help cover the costs of the services we provide free of charge to our guests.

"Costs have risen massively over recent years as we have increased both our staff capacity and our range of services to meet growing demand.

"This year we need to raise £480,000, a large proportion of which comes from individuals and organisations in the local community donating money and raising funds for us."

The three finishers in Cambridge – Tommy, Stephanie and Dylan the sheep. (Image: The Gatehouse)

The Gatehouse operates out of a drop-in community centre in central Oxford, offering a wide range of free services to homeless and vulnerably housed adults including a café, a clothes store, shower provision and bespoke individual casework and counselling support.