The Big Smile is the name the Walk & Talk Trust has given to to its annual summer series of 50 days of guided fundraising walks for adults across the North of England. Their objective is to promote the physical and mental health benefits associated with regular healthy exercise, specifically walking. Through education, targeted support and the establishment of new walking trails, the Charity is looking to increase participation in walking activities across all the generations. Funds raised through the Big Smile will enable the Charity to donate thousands of pairs of walking boots to schoolchildren and to groups of disadvantaged adults across the region each year.
North Star are proud to have sponsored the ‘Barnard Castle loop’. Eighteen North Star staff put on their walking boots and took on the 12 mile challenge. The route started at the beautiful Bowes Museum, following the river Tees and then looping back round to finish where they started.
Angela Lockwood CEO of North Star took part and she said;
“It was a super day – the sun shone, we laughed, we chatted, we ran away from wasps! We have a Barnard Castle office, so it was really nice to get a better feel for such a gorgeous area where North Star has a big presence.
“I was able to chat with 17 members of our staff in an informal environment and learn so much more about them, and, with someone leading us, it was just so liberating to not worry about finding our way. We’re proud to have helped raise funds for an amazing charity doing such good work to get kids active, and to help them socialise and just enjoy themselves.”
More information on the Big Smile Walks can be found here: https://www.bigsmileuk.co.uk/
