Southampton’s biggest ever charity walk returns to the Common this summer

Southampton’s largest-ever charity walk is set to return to Southampton Common this summer, as cardiac charity Heartbeat brings back its popular Heart & Stroll event on Sunday 28th June 2026.

Following last year’s sell-out event, which welcomed more than 750 participants, Heart & Stroll 2026 is set to be bigger and better than ever, with organisers expecting attendance to double.

The family-friendly event features a gentle 5km walk around Southampton Common, designed to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Whether participants are seasoned gym-goers or just starting their fitness journey, Heart & Stroll is built around the belief that movement — at any level — can have a powerful impact on heart health and wellbeing.

This year’s event is being powered by Sports & Recreation brand GBHQ, founded and owned by Jay Buckle, who is working alongside Heartbeat to help deliver the largest Heart & Stroll to date. The GBHQ Team is supporting the event through planning, promotion, and mobilisation of its growing fitness community, helping to drive awareness, participation, and fundraising across the region and beyond.

In addition to supporting the delivery of the event, GBHQ is also leading a major fundraising effort for Heartbeat. Adam Blackwell, Head Coach at GBHQ, will take on an extraordinary endurance challenge in April, aiming to raise £10,000 for the charity. Adam will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, while also completing the Three Peaks Challenge along the route — a gruelling test of physical and mental resilience in support of cardiac care.

All funds raised through Heart & Stroll will go towards supporting the vital work of the Cardiac Unit at University Hospital Southampton, as well as Rotary Heartbeat House, which provides nearby accommodation for families while loved ones receive treatment.

Tanya Harder, Project Lead for Heart & Stroll, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Heart & Stroll back to Southampton Common. Last year was a huge success, and with plans already in place for 2026, we’re determined to make this our biggest and most inclusive event yet.”

“Working alongside Jay, Adam, and the wider GBHQ community has been invaluable. GBHQ’s ethos of inspiring people into movement — regardless of fitness level — aligns perfectly with what Heart & Stroll represents, and their support is helping us reach more people than ever before.”

Jay, Founder of GBHQ said:

           “Supporting local causes is at the heart of what GBHQ stands for. We’re genuinely excited to power Heart & Stroll and support Adam take on an epic challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats, alongside the Three Peaks, to raise money for a cause that makes a real difference to people’s lives”

Heart & Stroll is built on the idea that even a simple walk in the park can make a meaningful difference; improving wellbeing, supporting heart health, and raising funds for life-saving care, all while enjoying a great day out with family, friends, and the local community. Entertainment and additional activities will be announced closer to the event.

Tickets for Heart & Stroll 2026 at Southampton Common on 28th June are available now for £12.50 per adult, with children over 5 years at £5 and dogs walk for free.

Find out more and book tickets at: https://www.heartbeat.co.uk/events/heart-and-stroll-2026