In 2019 one of our nursery practitioners April Walker and her husband Lee went through what no parents ever want to go through – they sadly lost their son Reuben at only one day old.

Reuben's Walkers

Shortly after Reuben died they set up Reuben’s Walkers, a group of people who take on different challenges throughout the year while raising money for numerous charities close to their hearts.

On 24 September many of our nursery practitioners joined Reuben’s Walkers and took part in a marathon walk in memory of Reuben and to support April and her husband Lee. They walked 27 miles from April and Lee’s home in South Hetton to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, passing many familiar spots on the way, one being our very own University Nursery.

April and Lee Walker

Kate Bell, one of our nursery practitioners, said: 

We were tired and had achy feet and legs, but had big smiles on our faces as we knew the reason we were doing it. It was lovely that so many people supported us along the way.

Kate continued: ''Some walkers did the whole walk, some joined at the beginning and end, and some just did parts. It was great to see so many people supporting us by donating, tooting their horns or coming out in the streets to wish us luck. The whole experience was brilliant and very well organised by April and Lee.''

They obviously couldn’t have done it without plenty of training, helping them to build up to the big day. Training meant plenty of sweat and several practice walks around Durham along the old railway lines at Bearpark, Derwent Reservoir and the Ullswater Way, where they completed 22 miles.

The funds they raised from the marathon walk were split between four charities – Tiny Lives, 4Louis, CDH UK and Sands.

If you would like more information about Reuben’s Walkers, please visit their website.