Yesterday afternoon Al and I took part in the One New Change ‘Sunday Strut’ – a 6 kilometre charity walk in aid of the Prince’s Trust. We were invited to don this season’s latest looks and strut from Cardinal Place in Victoria to One New Change in the historic City, taking in some of London’s most iconic sights along the way.
We were greeted by friendly faces at Cardinal Place and invited to relax on the roof terrace of the SW1 gallery (in Cardinal Place – above M&S!) or make the most of the pampering tent to get race ready. There were makeovers, manicures and blow-dries – it was pampering heaven. After we had been preened to perfection and had sampled the lemonade and nibbles, TV personality Anna Williamson kicked off the event. Firstly, Gym Box performed a warm-up “stiletto work-out” and dance routine – it was so much fun, sign me up now! The Gym Box ladies did well getting everyone involved, pumped up and ready to strut, in spite of the heavens suddenly and unexpectedly opening.
In spite of the heatwave London was experiencing, everyone made a real effort with their outfits. I’m going to save them for a post of their own as I think they definitely warrant one! In my attempt to stay cool, I wore the ubiquitous Zara pyjama trousers (that was my spring/summer trend ticked) with a vest, vintage denim Ralph Lauren shirt (Al’s), straw hat from Accessorize and my Ray-Ban Clubmasters.
Millie Mackintosh of ‘Made in Chelsea’ fame lead the strut, looking chic in a nude pink chiffon dress and co-ordinating wedges and accompanied by the adorable puppy Herby.
We gathered in our groups at the starting line, and on cue, set off on our route from Victoria past some of London’s most iconic landmarks as we strutted our way to the City. Here are a few pictures to sum up the walk, spot the red balloons that we held to keep track of each other (great idea):
Parliament Square
Big Ben
Downing Street
The halfway mark – Victoria Embankment
The London Eye from Victoria Embankment
London skyline from the Hungerford Bridge
Descending the Bridge onto the South Bank – one of my favourite places in London
We then walked along the South Bank until we reached the Millennium Bridge…
The City
Crossing the Millennium Bridge
Tower Bridge in the distance and the Shard on the right
As we neared St Paul’s we were fast approaching the finishing line…
… and soon we were done!
When we reached One New Change we were welcomed by cheers and whoops, and awarded medals for completing the Strut. We were then led to the roof terrace where we were given some amazing goody bags and a glass of bubbly to celebrate, courtesy of Searcys. These pictures really don’t do justice to the stunning views across London from the One New Change roof terrace, but here you go:
We then made our way downstairs to Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen for the afterparty, which was vintage tea party themed, complete with refreshingly fruity cocktails in vintage teacups (the watermelon martini was divine) and cake stands filled with scrumptious cakes.
The day was a great success and all for such a worthy cause. Congratulations to the organisers and well done to everyone who took part! The whole concept was a great idea and really got passersby talking; along the way we were stopped by countless people who asked what we were doing and applauded our efforts! The event was seamlessly organised, and the Prince’s Trust volunteers and Land Securities staff were so helpful and friendly. Thanks to all involved for a memorable day.
I only signed up last minute, and though I made the £100 target, I would love to raise some more money for charity – if you would like to sponsor me, I would be SO grateful: click here.