5 Sep 2024
Jonnie – a tour guide and social media influencer known as Bowl of Chalk – recently held a walking tour across London for 24 hours to raise money for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
The walks took place over 27-28 July and saw 164 people, two babies and six dogs join in!
“I did a continuous route around London,” explained Jonnie, “which meant people could join for the sections that suited them. Over the 24 hours we walked approximately 24 miles.
“It was good to arrange something people can take part in, that would not only raise some money, but also bring people together, create a sense of community and a bit of awareness for the charity at the same time. I am after all a tour guide, so I was always going to do walking tours, but as London’s Air Ambulance Charity is a 24-hour service, 24 hours of walking tours over a weekend made sense.”
Jonnie has been doing his own walking tours in London for 13 years and in 2023 set himself the challenge of posting a Fun London Fact every day of the year. This led to thousands of followers on social media, which Jonnie decided to use to help others.
“I set up a subscription channel and like to give half of whatever comes in to a London-based charity. I like the idea of Londoners and people interested in London watching my videos about London and at the same time helping to raise money for a London charity.
“London’s Air Ambulance Charity was my first choice, because it is for Londoners and paid for by Londoners. It provides an incredible service to Londoners and as it happened, needed an extra £15 million this year for new helicopters.”
Altogether Jonnie has raised £8,489 for the charity, which is an incredible amount. We’re so grateful: on average a mission costs £2,208, so Jonnie’s contribution really will help us keep flying and saving lives.