You have a new fundraising idea for the Drinks Trust - what do you have planned?
On Friday September 12 a group of around 50 people from the drinks trade will be walking 22km - along the River Thames to raise money for our industry charity, The Drinks Trust.
What was the inspiration for wanting to do this walk?
The Walk it Together Challenge hopes to raise at least £10,000 for The Drinks Trust
I saw the launch of The Drinks Trust’s Face It Together campaign, which is aiming to raise a million pounds this year. That’s no mean feat. I’ve been involved with the charity on and off for many years (big up the Buddies crew) and, having done a couple of the Cancer Research overnight half marathon walks, wondered if there was something we could put together.
We all know how the world is at the moment, but we also never know when we might need help from a charity like this.
Why did you choose the Thames walk as the route to take?
First of all - and anyone who has seen my Instagram will know - I absolutely love, love, love my walks along the river. It was something I discovered during lockdown and try to do as regularly as possible. It is so very therapeutic…
Secondly, this year also marks 10 years since the late and great Dan Townsend organised a Thames Path Challenge when he was chairman of the then The Benevolent and this is a way for us to pay tribute to his memory. Even if he did do the full marathon distance!
Where will you be starting and stopping and will you be making any stops along the way?
One of Ali Mann's own photos on her Instagram page (@aliman2001) from her many Thames walks
When I found out our starting point would be in Chiswick, I knew exactly who to call so I’m delighted to say that we’re starting at the Fuller’s Brewery - one of my favourite river spots - and then walking 22km to Tower Bridge, finishing at The Drinks Trust’s offices very nearby.
You have already managed to get some sponsors for the walk - who are they?
We are absolutely thrilled that some amazing sponsors have come on board - Decanter, Australian Vintage, Mentzendorff, Treasury Wine Estates and Vinarchy. Their support means that every single penny the walkers raise will go directly to The Drinks Trust. We’ve set a target of £10,000 - and I am sure we can do it.
If people want to sign up and take part how do they do that?
We’ve now booked in around 50 walkers with the official company we’re working with, Charity Challenge – but we do have some spots left if anyone is interested. If you also fancy a day out and supporting us along the river then please come along and look out for us in our Walk It Together t-shirts.
If people want to donate and help raise money how do they do that?
If you know and want to support an individual walker then you can find them listed on our fundraising page - https://walkittogether.enthuse.com/thedrinkstrust/profile- and you’ll see company teams there too. You can also just donate to the initiative as a whole - we’ll be thrilled to see the pennies and pounds come in any which way.
For those that don't know you when you are not walking up and down the Thames what is your day job?
I work in PR in the drinks trade at Emma Wellings PR. We have a roster of producers and companies all over the world and work day-to-day with all the wine writers and communicators - I’ve even roped a couple of them into walking for us.
What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
One of the views that keeps Ali Mann going on her many Thames River walks
Definitely the people I get to work with and the stories I get to tell - there’s just so much to discover in this wine world of ours.
How has your job changed in recent years?
The advent and recognition of social media as a key communication platform has been pretty huge for all of us and I can only see it as a good thing. I’ve really loved this development and seeing all the new faces and voices coming out. As far as I’m concerned, the more of us to talk about wine, spirits, beer -both with alcohol or - the better.
What do you enjoy about being part of the wine trade that you want to put on a fundraising event like this?
There is so much teamwork in the wine trade, and because I’ve known them for so long, I’ve always sort of seen The Drinks Trust as being central to this. They are a small, hard-working team with a big target on their hands, and I want others to see that they, too, can look at ways to help.
So now, let’s Walk It Together - and pleeeeease keep fingers and toes crossed for good weather.
Anything else to say?
When the light is just right on the river, there’s almost nothing better. (Drinks) Trust me!
* You can find out more about the Walk it Together Thames Challenge and make a donation by clicking here.
* You can find out more about The Drinks Trust and the work it does at its website here.
