FAQs: Walk for Humanity

Yes, you're welcome to sign up on the day at Walk for Humanity Manchester or Bristol.

To ensure you’re ready to walk at 11am, we recommend arriving closer to 10am to allow time for registration.

To sign up you must be 18 or over. Under 18s can take part as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times at the event.

Make sure to plan your journey in advance. Further information about travel, parking and arrival times can be found on the event page. Please consider the most sustainable method of transport, or car share where possible.

Walk for Humanity Manchester: The closest train and tram stop to the event village is Deansgate, and multiple bus services run to Deansgate. The nearest car park is the pay and display Duke Street Car Park at 106 Duke St, Manchester M3 4RU and the pay and display Collier Street parking at 28 Bridgewater St, Manchester M3 4NH. However, please note that parking will be limited. The meeting point’s what3words reference is keys.coast.shovels - find out more on the what3words website. The event village entrance's what3words reference is nails.civil.turned. Find it on a map using the what3words website.

Walk for Humanity London: The event village is a short walk from Lambeth North tube station, which is on the Bakerloo line, as well as Waterloo Railway Station, which is accessible by London Overground, and Northern, Jubilee and Bakerloo lines. Multiple bus services run to Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth Road, and Westminster Bridge Road. There’s no dedicated parking available – please use city centre parking and local public transport. The meeting point’s what3words reference is care.hush.rice – find out more on the what3words website.

Walk for Humanity Bristol: The event village is a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station. Multiple bus services run to Queens Square and then it’s a short walk to Canons Marsh Amphitheatre. The meeting point’s what3words reference is copies.homes.runner - find out more on the what3words website. If you plan to drive to the event, there is a paid car park near Canon's Marsh Amphitheatre and We the Curious. However, we encourage walkers to use public transport whenever possible.

Walk for Humanity Manchester: We will be welcoming walkers to the event village from 10am and the walk starts at 11am.

Walk for Humanity London: To ensure the safety of walkers and members of the public, walkers will set off in waves. The event village will be open 10am to 4pm. The first wave will set off at 10.30am. Please check your emails for your allocated arrival and walk start time. If you haven’t received this information, please get in touch at walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk.

Walk for Humanity Bristol: We will be welcoming walkers to the event village from 10am and the walk starts at 11am.

The deadline to receive walker numbers in the post has now passed. If you haven’t received your walker number before your walk, please collect one from the information point in the event village on the day.

Make sure to fill out your emergency contact information on the back before starting your walk. Children under 18 do not need a walker number.

• Toilets 
• Disabled toilet 
• Water at the start and finish area for you to fill up a reusable bottle 
• Food trucks at the event village 
• Information about our work 
• Plenty of shops along the route if you need to purchase extra drinks or snacks

Please be sure to bring your walker number to the event and fill out the emergency contact information form on the back of it. If you haven’t received your number, please collect it from the information point in the event village on the day.

Other essentials for the day:   

• Comfortable walking trainers or shoes (please don’t underestimate the 10k distance, particularly if bringing small children or dogs)  
• A water bottle to fill up at the event village  
• Weather-dependent items such as waterproofs, extra water or sunscreen (please make sure you look at the weather forecast the day before the walk)  
• Layers of clothing  
• Snacks 
• Your British Red Cross T-shirt, if you already received it, otherwise you can collect it for free from the merchandise stall.

Children under 18 are required to wear a red wristband for identification and to help us keep them safe. Please collect a wristband at the information point on the day to complete with parent or guardian contact details.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and check the weather report ahead of time. We encourage you to wear your British Red Cross T-shirt or you could get creative and walk in fancy dress.

The British Red Cross is a neutral and impartial organisation. The fact that we don’t take sides in conflicts or disputes is what lets us access the people who need our support. It’s also what keeps our staff and volunteers safe as they carry out their lifesaving work supporting people in crisis. That’s why people participating in Walk for Humanity should not bring material which could be seen as making a political point or supporting a particular campaign.

To read more about our Fundamental Principles please visit our website. 

Yes, you'll be able to get food and drinks. 

• Water will be available at the start and finish area for you to fill up a reusable bottle.  
• Food trucks will be set up at the event village. 
• There are plenty of shops along the route if you need to purchase extra drinks or snacks.

Absolutely, everyone who signs up can claim a free Walk for Humanity t-shirt to wear on the day.

The deadline to order these online has now passed, but you can pick up your free t-shirt from the merchandise stall in the event village on the day.

Please be sure to keep your registration confirmation email to show to staff on the day when you do this, and you'll be able to purchase any additional t-shirts and other items from the same place.

Please be sure to arrive with plenty of time to do this before setting off on the walk.

We may have an official photographer and videographer collecting images on the day. If you’d prefer not to be photographed or filmed by our team, please collect a yellow wristband at the information point. 

We take the privacy and safety of children seriously, and our team will always ask for explicit consent before taking photos or videos that include children who will be identifiable. Children under 18 are required wear a red wristband for identification and to help us keep them safe. Please collect this at the information point on the day.

There will be an event control phone number to use if needed during the events. This number is 07706 251517. This will be manned from 9am to 4pm on the event day and can be used if you need assistance. Please use our volunteers along the route in the first instance, and if there is an actual emergency during the event, please contact 999.

We’re working hard to make Walk for Humanity as green as possible. Bring along your reusable water bottles – you’ll be able to top these up in the event village. And always remember to use our designated bins for rubbish and recycling during the event.

Walk for Humanity Manchester: The circular route starts and finishes in Castlefield Bowl on 21 September 2024. You’ll take in iconic Manchester sites, including Cathedral Square, the Northern Quarter, Canal Street, Alan Turing Park and Chinatown. The address is: Rice Street, Manchester M3 4JR. 

Walk for Humanity London: The circular 5k and 10k routes start and finish at Archbishop's Park on 28 September 2024. You’ll have the opportunity to take in iconic London sites, including the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. The address of the park is: Archbishops Park, Carlisle Lane, London SE1 7LE.

Walk for Humanity Bristol: Starting and finishing at Canons Marsh Amphitheatre on 5 October 2024, the route takes in iconic Bristol sites, including Harbourside, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Queen Square, St Mary Redcliffe Church, Old City and Park Street. The address is: Amphitheatre, Harbour Way, Bristol BS1 5LL.

Learn more about the events.

We estimate that most walkers will take between 90 minutes and two hours to complete the 10k route as there are no major hills or obstacles.

And we estimate the 5k distance in London will take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to complete. The 5k route is slightly over 5 kilometres to ensure it is fully accessible for all participants.

For all cities, it will be a gentle, mostly flat city centre walking route, using well-maintained paved footpaths throughout.

Please note: the route and distance is subject to change and suitable footwear is recommended. Please don't underestimate the 10K route, and consider the weather on event day if planning to bring children or pets.

All routes will have well-maintained paved footpaths with dropped kerbs at crossing points and step-free access throughout. A disabled toilet will be available in the event villages.

The 5k route in London is slightly over 5k to ensure it is fully accessible for all participants.

Our Walk for Humanity events are dog friendly, so your furry friend can enjoy the day too. As children will be attending the event, please keep your dog on a lead.

Please don't underestimate the 10k route, and consider the weather on event day as well if planning to bring pets.

Friends and family can meet and cheer you on at the event village after your walk. There will be food vans available, and other activities or pop-up shops for people to enjoy, even if they’re not taking part in the event itself.

The deadline to receive your walker number in the post has now passed. If you don’t receive your walker number ahead of the event, please collect one at the information point at the event village on the day.

The route will be clearly signposted. Friendly volunteers will guide you and cheer you on along the way, but you can see a sneak preview of the route on the event page, along with details about route accessibility.

The event village will close at 4pm. Please ensure you're back in the event village to collect your medal before this time.

You can sign up on the day at Walk for Humanity Manchester or Bristol. To ensure you’re ready to walk at 11am, we recommend arriving closer to 10am to allow time for registration.

Note that we will have back markers on the route who will be the last walkers. They will set off behind the last starter and collect course directional arrows as they pass each point. They will walk at a pace that will get them back into the event village by 4pm.

For safety reasons, should you wish to withdraw from the walk whilst out on the route, please inform the event control number on the back of your bib before doing so.

If you have any questions, you’re unable to take part in the event or you need to change your address, get in touch at walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk or call 0300 456 1155 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

Visit walkforhumanity.redcross.org.uk, choose your walk and sign-up on the event page by clicking on the sign-up button.

You're welcome to sign up on the day at Walk for Humanity Manchester or Bristol. To ensure you’re ready to walk at 11am, we recommend arriving closer to 10am to allow time for registration.

To sign up you must be 18 or over. Under 18s can take part as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times at the event.

If you’re bringing children, please note this on your registration form so we have an idea of numbers on the day. 

If you are a school, youth group, or large corporate group of 20 or more, email walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk for more information.

• A welcome email with links to downloadable fundraising materials and a guide to setting up your own personal fundraising page. 
• A free Walk for Humanity event T-shirt. You can pick it up from the merchandise stall in the event village on the day. Please be sure to keep your registration confirmation email to show to staff on the day when you do this, and you'll be able to purchase any additional t-shirts and other items from the same place. Please be sure to arrive with plenty of time to do this before setting off on the walk.
• Regular email updates with information on what to bring, what time to arrive and tips on raising as much money as you can to support our work. 
• Your event pack with your walker number and everything you need for the day (sent by post just before event day in early to mid-September). Make sure to fill out your emergency contact information on the back before starting your walk.

Yes, you can! Each team member must complete their own registration form and we ask that each member commit to the £150 sponsorship target. Get inspired by our tips and tricks on how to smash your fundraising.

Once you've signed up, you can create a Team and invite others to join you through JustGiving. You’ll be able to add photos, share your team story and see how much you've all raised together.  

Find out how to create a team on JustGiving.

Red Cross T-shirts, neck buffs, dog bandanas and tote bags will be available to buy from our merchandise stand on the day.

We ask everyone taking part to aim to raise £150 in total. You can, of course, raise more. A fundraising pack will be included in your welcome email, and we’ll stay in touch with tips and ideas right up to event day.

By reaching your £150 sponsorship target, you’ll get a free branded neck buff to wear on the day!

There are so many fun and easy ways to reach your £150 sponsorship target. From fundraising games to sponsorship forms, we’re here to help. 

Creating your JustGiving page couldn’t be easier. When you sign up, a JustGiving fundraising page will be created for you. All online donations are sent directly to us from JustGiving, safely and securely. And you can edit your page and share it with friends and family.

Check out our downloadable fundraising pack for advice and resources. Starting your fundraising early is the best way to make sure you hit your target.

You can also fundraise offline using our offline sponsorship form. 

All money donated to your Walk for Humanity fundraising page is sent to us automatically, safely and securely. We also get Gift Aid from donations, which adds an extra 25p to every pound your supporters donate, at no extra cost to them. 

Details on how and where to pay in any offline sponsorship money are included in the fundraising pack sent in your welcome email. We ask that you pay your fundraising money in no later than the beginning of November. 

If you've received any cash or cheques, please contact us at walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk.

Yes. You can download a sponsorship form to fundraise offline. And you can find a donation return form in our digital fundraising pack.

Yes! Your JustGiving page will stay open for donations until 1 December. You can still pay in offline donations after this deadline, but please try to get them to us by 1 December if you can. 

Find details of how to pay in offline sponsorship. 

Free neck buffs for fundraisers who have reached their individual £150 sponsorship target can be collected from the merchandise stand in the event village – you’ll just need to show your fundraising page.

Get in touch with JustGiving at help@justgiving.com.

The money you raise means we can be here for humanity and get life-changing support to people in the UK and around the world.

Our dedicated teams support people whose lives have been torn apart. In 191 countries across the world, we help anyone who needs us – whatever the crisis and whatever the scale. 

Whether we’re supporting people living through unimaginable conflict, giving a lifeline to those whose homes have been hit by floods and storms in the UK, or supporting people who’ve lost everything after an earthquake, we strive to get them the life-changing help they need.

Find out more about how your money is spent. 

For every £1 donated:  

• 65p is spent helping people in crisis. This includes emergency response, refugee support and our international work.  
• 16p is spent generating funds and running our shops.  
• 11p is spent on support costs – running our organisation. 

Find out more about how we spend the money we receive.

If your question isn't listed above, please get in touch at walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk and we'll aim to respond within two working days. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 0300 456 1155 Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. 

Fill in a registration for for the event you're interested in:

• Walk for Humanity Manchester
• Walk for Humanity London
• Walk for Humanity Bristol

We'll contact you to organise a phone call to discuss the role further and answer your questions.

We'll then email you with a full brief and information pack which will include timings, directions, contact details and what to bring.

Most of our volunteers will be needed between 9am and 4pm on event day only.

You can either volunteer in the event village or on route.

Event village volunteers:

• welcome and steward our amazing walkers
• help at the start and finish line
• hand out medals
• assist with setup and logistics

On the route volunteers:

• make sure our walkers are safe on route and heading in the right direction
• keep walkers motivated with big cheers

When we contact you by phone, we will talk you through each role and you'll have the chance to ask any questions.

When you arrive at the event village you will be:

• signed in by our team
• allocated a role
• provided with the equipment you need
• given a full briefing on what to expect, safety information and everything about your volunteer role

If you have any specific questions about accessibility, you can discuss this during the phone call with us

If you want to bring along a friend or family member to volunteer, we would love for them to come along – the more the merrier! Each person will need sign up individually via the online registration form above.

On the day we will provide volunteers with:

• a light lunch
• a British Red Cross t-shirt
• a high-vis vest

Please check the weather before the event so you can dress and pack accordingly. We recommend you bring:

• comfortable walking trainers or shoes (you will be on your feet much of the day)
• a water bottle to fill up at the event village
• weather-dependent clothing / items
• layers of clothing
• additional snacks
• a fully charged phone

If you are 16 or 17, then yes you can. When you apply for the role we ask your age. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a consent form.

Please get in touch at walkforhumanity@redcross.org.uk.