Almond Pubs’ annual One Small Step event has become a highlight of the year for FPWR UK and an amazing fundraising and community event. Now in it’s twelfth year, we are so grateful to the whole team for their continued support and all their hard work.
At the heart of it all is Vicki, mum to Bella who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, alongside Hannah, from Almond Pubs Marketing department, who helps bring the event to life year after year. Together, with the support of their dedicated team and community, they have turned a single idea into our biggest fundraising event—one that continues to inspire, unite, and make a real difference.
What inspired you to host your first One Small Step?
Vicki- My daughter Bella was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome at just three weeks old, and before that I had never even heard of it. Through her diagnosis, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Catherine and a wonderful community of other Prader-Willi parents, which made such a difference to us.
Being in my position as a director of Almond Family Pubs, I felt strongly that I wanted to use that platform to help raise awareness of the condition, as well as much-needed funds to support the charity and other families going through similar experiences.
How did it feel taking on your first One Small Step and is it a different feeling now?
Hannah – I joined Almond Family Pubs when the walk had already been running for a couple of years, and every year since has been really exciting to be part of. It’s definitely grown over the last 10 years that I’ve been involved, with more people getting involved each time, so there’s an even bigger buzz around it now.
Seeing a sea of blue shirts leaving each pub and the atmosphere it creates is amazing, it’s such a great feeling to be part of something so special.
When you hosted your first event could you have imagined it would have grown to the event it is today?
Not at all. In the first year, Bella was still very young and everything felt so new to us. We had 135 people take part, and at the time we thought that was amazing. To see it grow to over 400 people now is just phenomenal
Last year was your record attendance, do you think you will break that record this year?
We’re always aiming to beat the previous year’s numbers, so hopefully yes! Especially if we can count dogs?! Our marketing team has grown, which means we’re able to reach even more people and spread the word further. A lot of our returning walkers also bring friends along, so it naturally keeps growing each year.
Have there been any standout moments over the years that have really stayed with you?
It’s always emotional watching Bella cross the finish line and seeing different versions of that moment; from her being carried over as a tot, to walking through on her walking frame to eventually walking independently. It gets me every year! Over the years we have had some very generous donations, including a family friend who once donated £10,000!
Bella gets involved each year too, how do you think she feels about how these amazing events have grown?
Bella absolutely LOVES the day, we always try and time the event around her Birthday so it’s like one massive party for her. She really enjoys meeting with her fellow Prader-Willi peers, it affirms that she really is part of something positive. Each year she manages to walk a little bit longer. She loves to cross the finish line and give PeeWee a high five!
How do supporters react when PeeWee turns up?
They absolutely love him, both children and adults! We kick things off with some morning stretches, which PeeWee leads, and everyone gets involved. He’s also there at the finish line, cheering everyone on, posing for photos, and celebrating as people cross the line. He really brings a fun, feel-good atmosphere to the whole event.
How amazing is it to see new faces each year, as well as many, many returning supporters?
It’s honestly overwhelming in the best way. We have so many people who have taken part in every single walk, 11 so far and counting, and it’s so special to see that continued support. At the same time, it’s amazing to welcome new faces each year. You start to recognise people over time, and it really feels like a growing community coming together for such an important cause.
In addition to fundraising do you think your events have caused more people to be aware of PWS?
Yes, definitely. Even among the teams helping out at our pubs, it’s increased awareness. Prader-Willi syndrome is such a rare condition, and many people haven’t heard of it until it affects someone they know. By holding these events, we’re reaching at least 400 people each time, who then go on to talk about it with their friends and family.
One Small Step really becomes a conversation starter—it leads people to ask why we hold the event and, in turn, helps us share more about what Prader-Willi syndrome is and why awareness is so important.
What kind of support do you get from your local community?
The support we receive from both the local community and the hospitality industry is incredible—they’re always so helpful and keen to get involved. Alongside the walk, we host a large raffle that everyone really looks forward to, and local as well as wider businesses are always happy to donate prizes. It’s so lovely to see everyone come together to support the event.
Have there been any challenges over the years in getting the event up and running?
We’re always a little worried about the weather! Thankfully, so far, we’ve been very lucky. We’ve had some rain on occasion of course (this is Stockport!) but it’s never dampened the spirits of our supporters. Last year it was absolutely scorching so that came with its own issues. We just made sure everyone was well hydrated and bought some factor 50 in the morning!
How do you feel when everyone arrives on the day and you see the sea of blue t-shirts?
We get emotional every single year. All the walkers gather at our first pub and we play ‘Proud’ by Heather Small as the ribbon is cut. Within minutes, everyone starts the walk and it just takes over the whole car park—a sea of blue heading out down the street, all in such great spirits. I get goosebumps just thinking about it!
What keeps you motivated to do these events year after year?
We genuinely love doing them! It’s always such a great day—people get to enjoy a walk, get some fresh air and exercise, then relax with some food and a well-earned drink at the end. What’s not to like?
The feedback we receive each year also keeps us going. Everyone is so positive and complimentary, and its’s clear people are there to have a good time while supporting a really important cause, which makes it all the more rewarding.
What would you say to anyone else thinking of setting up their own One Small Step event?
Definitely do it—it’s so much fun. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family, enjoy a walk, while raising both money and awareness for a fantastic cause. It’s a win-win!
We are so grateful to Vicki, Hannah, Almond Pubs and the local community for all of their support in organising these amazing events, and to all of the walkers and fundraisers who make each year such a success. If you’d like to support this year’s event you can at www.justgiving.com/page/afp-oss26