UK charity in search of the country's walking champions

Could you or someone you know be the 2023 Walking Champion?

Living Streets is looking for inspiring entrants for the Charles Maher Award celebrating individuals who champion walking in and around their local area. 

The UK charity for everyday walking is asking people to nominate individuals, local groups or organisations who have campaigned to get more people walking and wheeling in their area.  

The award was set up in honour of Charles Maher, a campaigner and longstanding supporter of Living Streets – formerly the Pedestrians Association – and nominees are judged on their creativity and the level of impact they have had.  

Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: "People across the UK are doing incredible things to improve the places we live for walking and wheeling – and they deserve recognition. Many individuals, groups and organisations work tirelessly to make our streets safer and more attractive so that people can be active and feel connected to our communities. 

"You might know someone campaigning for safer streets for people using a wheelchair or pushchair, a parent who's helped make walking to school safer for local families, or an organisation encouraging older adults to get out and about. Whoever it is, we want to hear about them." 

Individuals, local groups, organisations or local authorities can self-nominate themselves or others for the Living Streets Charles Maher Award. 

The deadline for nominations is midnight on 29 July 2023. Living Streets Members will then select the top nominee by vote, with the winner invited to collect their award during Living Streets' Annual General Meeting in the autumn. 

The nomination form can be found on the Living Streets website.