Shero Walk 2026
Join us for a family friendly walk and help raise vital funds women and children impacted by domestic abuse. Together we walk. Together we rise.
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About the Stepping Stones Shero Walk
This September we invite you to walk with us for all the Sheroes in our Community. The women who have survived domestic abuse and are breaking free from patterns of addiction or offending. The women determined to do things better for their children. The women who support, mentor and counsel other women to help them turn their lives around one step at a time.
Our charity walk around Luton’s much loved Wardown Park will start at the bandstand and take in many of the park’s most beautiful features, including its tranquil boating lake and the impressive Wardown house and garden. You can walk a shorter distance of 5k or challenge yourself with a longer 10k route.
Walk with our Sheroes, get sponsored and help women create a better future for themselves, their children and their community.
Who can take part?
The Stepping Stones Shero Walk is open to everyone, young and old. We encourage families to take part together and it’s a great charity walk to do with a group of friends or colleagues. We also welcome supporters who don’t want to walk, but believe in the cause and cheer from the sidelines!
What’s included in my entry fee?
As well as the charity walk, there will be lots more to enjoy including a children’s fancy dress competition, family arts and crafts, lawn games and character appearances. Prizes will be on offer for the best fancy dress costume and for our Shero Champion 2026 – the person who raises the money for vulnerable women and children. So, why not bring a picnic and make an day of it?
Meet some of the Sheroes you’ll be walking for
Every year Stepping Stones helps over 460 local women and their children to move forward from abuse and create a better future for themselves, their families and their community. These women come from all walks of life and every one of their stories is unique. Below are just a couple of these stories of hope and courage.
Sara* was violently abused by her male partner. “He would facetime me every hour of everyday, and if I didn’t answer I would have to explain what I was doing every time. When he had worn me down mentally (and) he couldn’t no more, that’s when the punching and pushing started.” Read more…
Mary* had been stuck in survival mode for decades following an abusive relationship and a lack of support from friends and family. Using simple techniques Faith, a Mental Health Practitioner working at Stepping Stones, helped heal her trauma and give her a ‘moment of peace’. Read more…
*Name changed to protect anonymity
Travel information
Catch the bus to Wardown Park from Luton Station Interchange (alight on New Bedford Road/A6 near Alexandra Avenue or Lansdowne Road). For those arriving by car, free parking is available within Wardown Park off Old Bedford Road and next to Wardown House.
Facilities available
- First aid
- Toilets
- Water station
FAQs
Entry fees and fundraising
Why is there an entry fee?
Your entry fee is used to cover the cost of putting on this charity walk. It’s the sponsorship money you raise that supports our work with vulnerable women and children.
Where does the money go?
The funds you raise will support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. We offer support tailored to each woman’s needs including one-to-one support, group therapy, counselling, parenting support, and free childcare. Last year we helped 465 women and children in Luton create a better future for themselves, their families, and their community.
Do I have to collect sponsorship money to take part?
Your entry fee goes towards the cost of putting on this charity walk. We ask all participants to raise as much sponsorship money as possible to support our continued work with vulnerable women and children in Luton. Setup a Just Giving page to collect donations online or download the Shero Walk Sponsorship Form.
Do I need to send you my sponsorship form?
If any of your sponsors have ticked the Gift Aid box it is essential that we have a copy of your sponsorship form. Without this we will not be able to claim Gift Aid on any of your donations. Gift Aid increases your contribution by at least 25% at no extra cost to you or your donors.
How can I pay in my sponsorship money?
If you use Just Giving, the funds you raise are automatically sent to us. If you’ve raised money in person, you can return a cheque made payable to “Stepping Stones Luton” to: Stepping Stones Luton, 9a George Street West, Luton, LU1 2BJ; or call us on 01582 341343 to pay by card.
Who and what can be on the course
Is the route suitable for prams/pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes, the circuit is on flat terrain, and all paths are paved or have a hard surface.
Do you allow roller-skates/roller blades, skateboards and/or scooters on the course?
For everyone’s safety, please refrain from bringing roller-skates/roller blades, skateboards, scooters and similar items.
Do you allow dogs on the course?
We do allow dogs, but you must ensure that:
- The dog is kept on a short lead (extending leads are not suitable), under close control at all times, and any usual equipment (muzzle / harness etc.) used to control the dog is employed on the day.
- All instructions given by the Event Manager and officials on the day are adhered to, including participants with dogs starting the Event behind other walkers, if required.
- The dog has a collar with a clearly identifiable tag.
- Adequate water is supplied for the dog to keep them hydrated.
- Any dog mess is cleaned up and disposed of responsibly.
- Your dog is NOT kept in a car if it’s a hot day.
Are my friends and family allowed to walk the route with me?
Unfortunately, spectators are not allowed to walk the route with participants due to capacity issues. They can sign up to walk themselves or they can sign up as a supporter and cheer you on from the sidelines.
Clothing and necessities
When will I receive my t-shirt?
You can collect your t-shirt on the day at registration. If you sign up within 14 days of the event the t-shirt sizes that are available may be limited.
What should I wear and bring with me on the day?
We recommend wearing supportive shoes (e.g. trainers) and light-weight clothing. Children may want to wear fancy dress to take part in the fancy dress competition.
Please bring a fully charged mobile phone with you in case of emergencies, a waterproof jacket or similar and a filled water bottle. A refreshment station will be available to re-fill your bottle. You may also wish to bring a purse/wallet and some cash, as we are hoping to have street food vendors and community stalls on site.
Large bags and picnic hampers can be left at the bandstand at your own risk whilst you walk.
Can I take part in fancy dress?
Children are very welcome to wear fancy dress. A prize will be on offer for the best outfit!
Safety
What measures are in place for participants’ safety?
A full event risk assessment has been conducted, and first aiders will be site at all times. Event staff will patrol the route to ensure participants safety, and we are collecting emergency contact details for all participants.
If you have any further questions get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
