This is a sponsored article on behalf of Diabetes UK.
London's bridges aren't just majestic feats of engineering — they bring people together and offer respite from the city's overcrowded centre. They're also the setting for the London Bridges Challenge, which every year sees thousands of people pound the pavement in hope of a diabetes-free future.
This October, make sure you're among the thousands of walkers turning London's bridges blue as they embark on a ten-mile journey along the River Thames. Every two minutes someone is diagnosed with Diabetes and this journey, from west to east London, is one way to raise vital funds for life-saving research.
You'll set off from the beautiful Battersea Park before crisscrossing your way around 12 of London’s most iconic bridges. It doesn't matter if you're six, 16, or 68 years old, or if you're a speed walker or a happy-ambler, the sponsored walk can be as leisurely or as challenging as you choose.
It's also a great opportunity to see the city sights by foot, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul's and Shakespeare’s Globe, before finishing at Minster Court in Tower Hill, where you'll receive your medal, plus teas, coffees and plenty of high-fives.
It only costs a fiver to sign up (under 16s go free). Once you've done so you'll receive a welcome pack, which includes fundraising advice and a sponsor form. There's no minimum sponsorship requirement but you may as well aim high for a good cause. Diabetes UK suggests a £140 target for starters.
A month before the event, a handy walkers' pack will arrive with all the info you need before the walk, plus on the day you can pick up a Diabetes UK t-shirt and blue wig.
The London Bridges Challenge takes place on 1 October 2017 starting at Battersea Park and ending at Tower Bridge. Sign up at Diabetes.org.uk/bridgeschallenge.
