Paddington to join in town's Riverside Walk

Paddington Bear, mascot of Horsham-based Action Medical Research, has been engaged to attend and pose for photos. His successful debut on the wide screen is to be followed in November this year with another film featuring the loveable little rascal. Walk organisers, Horsham Town Community Partnership (HTCP), are asking those taking part to help support the charity whose head office has been in Horsham since 1971. UK-wide children’s charity Action Medical Research celebrated 40 years with Paddington Bear as its official mascot in 2016. Paddington has been at the heart of fundraising for the charity ever since his creator, Michael Bond, met Action’s founder Duncan Guthrie back in 1976. His friendly face has helped to attract thousands of new supporters who together have raised millions of pounds to help babies and children. The children’s charity is currently funding research into conditions including prematurity, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions. Jane Apostolou, chair of HTCP, said, “Paddington was a favourite of my children when we read his stories. “I am sure he will be popular on the 15th July.” Starting from the Horsham Rugby Club car park in Hammerpond Road, walkers and joggers will have the chance to complete the circular 13-mile route or enjoy just a part of it. As usual, a free minibus will be waiting at selected points to take tired walkers back to their cars. A clockwise route will be followed with the first refreshment and toilet stop at Chesworth Farm before walking alongside the River Arun and Boldings Brook to reach Warnham Nature Reserve in time for lunch. A small band will entertain while feet are rested and refreshment taken. The next leg follows part of Chennells Brook and finishes at New House Farm in time for a short rest with tea and a slice of cake. Certificates will be presented to all finishers back at the Rugby Club and Paddington Bear will be on hand to assist. For more information on the walk and HTCP visit www.horsham.community