Walking Together: From a Personal Project to Community Collaboration
Two years ago, The Bath 5k Map began as a small, personal project - a way to help people discover local walking routes and reconnect with the outdoors for their wellbeing, in memory of Cerys, my niece who took their own life aged 24.
Today, it has evolved into a community collaboration project with local charities Mentoring Plus and Off the Record Bath and North East Somerset, community partners Walk Bath and Bathscape, and schools - Prior Park College. Together, we’re helping residents experience the restorative power of walking while raising vital funds and awareness for young people’s mental health.
What We’ve Achieved Together
Over the past two years, this growing community has achieved more than I could ever have imagined,
£8,915 raised for Mentoring Plus and Off The Record through map sales
10 community walks with 228 participants
3,000+ people reached across our social channels
£18,000+ collectively raised through partnerships and community events
I've just published the first Bath 5k Map Impact Report 2023–2025 capturing what we’ve achieved since launch.
Our collaboration was recognised with the Best Collaboration Award at the Radio Bath Charity Awards 2025, such brilliant validation of what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose.
“Our collaboration is more than just fundraising, it’s a partnership rooted in community, creativity, and care.” Radio Bath Awards 2025
We’re also delighted to share that Prior Park College will be a Bath 5k Map sponsor this next year, supporting wellbeing walks and championing the Big BaNES 100k Challenge as we grow this for 2026.
A More Personal Reflection
Behind the milestones, there’s also a more personal story that has shaped every step of this project.
In February last year, my teenage son suffered a serious accident during practice as a competitive gymnast and trampolinist, resulting in major injuries to his leg. What followed has been a long journey of surgeries, recovery, and resilience - both physical and emotional. Supporting his mental health became my number one priority.
Just before his second major operation less than 2 weeks ago, my son took part in the Big BaNES 100k Challenge, determined to walk as far as he could to raise funds for young people’s mental health. He raised £425 a huge achievement, and one that reflected his courage and determination to keep moving forward, but equally to support other young people.
On the very day of his operation, I received the news about the Radio Bath Award. I couldn't be there in person, and it felt so symbolic at a moment that continued to connect this project into not just a family, but a community mission.
Now, as my son begins the process of this next phase of recovery relearning how to walk again, I’m reminded daily of what this project stands for: hope, healing, and connection. Every step matters - whether it’s one taken outdoors with friends, or one taken slowly and bravely in recovery. We are all the more determined to continue to support anyone caring for our young people and ensuring they are mentally resilient and supported to grow and flourish for their future.
The Bath 5k Map has become so much more than a collection of walking routes - it’s about belonging. About showing that wellbeing is something we can build together. Thank you to the wonderful partners, and everyone who continues to walk, share, and support this project.
Annie x
