Stride 4 Life is an annual charity event with sponsored walks and funday. It supports the Darent Valley Hospital’s Cancer Fighting Fund, ALL proceeds from Stride 4 Life go to this fund.
This event is held annually on the 2nd Sunday in July in the grounds of Darent Valley Hospital.
Stride 4 life has 3 aims:
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To raise as much money as possible to help men, women and children who are fighting Cancer. The 1st Stride 4 Life was held in July 2004. At the same time the hospital set up the Cancer Fighting Fund. This fund purchases equipment to assist specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of all cancers by introducing the latest technology to give the very best possible care to cancer patients.
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To provide a family day out with something for all ages:
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to celebrate and remember the life of a loved one
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to celebrate the recovery of someone and give thanks for a saved life
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to celebrate a new life. The day ends with a Balloon Release with everyone releasing their balloons together in the Arena.
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It involves the local community with the following coming along every year:
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local Community Police who are there with their vehicles and there is also a Crime Prevention Bus giving advice
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the Local Fire Brigade and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are always there
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Arrow Disabled Riding School are there to provide horse rides to raise funds for their school
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local scout groups are invited to come along and run their own stalls to benefit their groups
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local children dance groups, gymnastic teams, local choirs and marching bands come along to entertain everyone, all giving their time free of charge
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Charlton Football Club’s Community team are there with a Score a Goal competition for the youngsters attending - all proceeds go to Stride
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Bexley Dog Show is very popular with all takings being given to Stride
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White Cycles hold a Crazy Bike competition with all proceeds going to Stride.
There are over a 100 volunteers who come along on the day and help run the event by setting up for the day, they run stalls and at the end of the day help clean the field.
Valley Park Radio are there every year with their PA System and interviewing participants on the day. Also they relay all of event to the hospital’s patients, making them a part of the day as well.
There is no admission charge.
Stride 4 Life is organised by a group of local volunteers who work on Stride throughout the year. Since 2004 Stride 4 life has raised £158,450 and the Cancer Fighting Fund has now raised £415,545.
