Walkers, volunteers and supporters came together this summer for Hike4Homes 2026, taking on the South Downs to raise more than £4,000 for Zetetick Housing Charity.
The event began early at Eastbourne Pier, where our GoFitness partners Emily and John led an energetic pre-walk warm-up before participants set off in the already warm sun. Walkers could choose from three routes, including the full 20.8-mile challenge from Eastbourne to Lewes, with shorter options between Eastbourne and Seaford or Seaford and Lewes.
Following the coastline, participants stopped for a well-earned picnic lunch at Cadence Cycle Hub in Seaford – a welcome respite in the 30-degree heat – before continuing across the South Downs towards Lewes. At the finish line, walkers, volunteers and supporters gathered at The Abyss to celebrate a brilliant collective achievement with a cool pint of beer.
Hike4Homes raises vital funds and awareness so that adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs can have homes that provide the foundation for the lives they want to lead. A secure home can support people to build relationships, pursue interests and feel part of their community.
Ava and her support worker, Ellie, at the Hike4Homes finish line, celebrating a successful hike.
Among this year’s walkers was Zetetick tenant and ambassador Ava McAuley. Ava has experienced housing instability herself, including periods in temporary and short-term accommodation. She describes first-hand the difference that having a secure and stable home can make to someone’s safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
For Ava, however, Hike4Homes was also an opportunity to highlight an important message: housing is just the beginning. Her own experience has shown how choice, control, consent and the right support all play an important part in helping somebody feel genuinely at home.
Ava said she took part because she wanted to raise awareness of the importance of having “the right home that fits around them as individuals” and of ensuring that people with lived experience have a meaningful influence over housing and support.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated or cheered people on. Every mile completed and every pound raised helps Zetetick continue working towards safe, stable homes – and extraordinary lives in ordinary places.
You can still support Ava and our other tenants by supporting us in our mission to help us create safe, stable and accessible homes for our tenants.
For questions or queries, you can get in touch with us via email: [email protected]
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