Funding Boost For Women’s Walking Group in Market Harborough

A Market Harborough-based women’s walking group is celebrating after securing £8,000 in funding to launch a new safety-focused programme.

Women Only Walks (WOW) will use the money to introduce practical measures aimed at helping more women feel confident walking outdoors, with a focus on activities in Little Bowden.

The funding has come from Harborough District Council and Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity.

The programme will include outdoor first aid training for volunteer walk leaders and members, safety equipment such as first aid kits and visibility lights, and structured walking guidance to ensure no woman is left behind.

Jemma Redden set up WOW while taking part in a charity walk in aid of the MS Society, which has supported her after she was diagnosed with the condition.

She posted on social media to see if anyone would keep her company on her walks amid growing national concerns for women’s safety.

WOW now has 2,000 members and Jemma spoke to HFM’s Matilda Munden about the group and what the funding means:

Jemma Redden

Councillors David Page and Stuart Finan said they combined Ward Grants to support the initiative, saying women should be able to walk locally with confidence and without fear.

They added: “WOW delivers practical measures, from training to safety equipment, for a growing community of over 2,000 women. This is the right investment for our wives, daughters, mothers, aunts and friends across Market Harborough.”