One Sunday afternoon. Gentle, beautiful, and exactly what we imagined.
On Sunday 27 September, we launched the very first fertility Walk & Talk in 27 locations across the UK (and one in The Netherlands!), in partnership with Hannah Pearn, founder of Don’t Tell Me To Relax.
Every walk was hosted by a couple of incredible humans who gave up their afternoon to create space for others.
We walked and talked in the sun and in the rain, with old friends and brand new ones. There were hugs. There were biscuits. There were mugs overfilled with hot chocolate, cream and sprinkles – the only correct way to serve it.
What Happened on the Day
The idea that Hannah & Katie originally had was a simple one, to create a space, at multiple locations across the country, where anyone navigating infertility or a reproductive health challenge could walk, talk and be around people who get it.
We wanted no agenda, and absolutely no pressure, just a chance to connect. And, that’s how they turned out.
People who had never spoken to another soul about their fertility challenges were swapping numbers.
Men and women shared their stories. We heard peals of laughter at just how much people had in common. Hands were squeezed in mutual understanding.
None of that could be manufactured. All we did was make the space, the people who turned up did the rest.
What You Told Us
Those who came along told us they felt seen, calm and genuinely understood. They talked about compassionate conversations and refreshing new connections, made with people who truly understand each other.
One message we received on the day said it better than we could:
“So glad I went to the Walk & Talk, thank you so much for organising. It’s so nice knowing we aren’t alone and finding others in similar situations. There’s nothing like face to face contact and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Thank You
To every single person who hosted a walk: thank you. You gave your time simply so that others could connect, talk and find common ground, and we are so, so grateful.
Thank you to Hannah for building this with us, and to Clare, who supports our volunteer walk hosts, for everything you did to make it happen. And thank you to the more than 70 organisations and volunteers who came on board to host or support a walk.
Our biggest thanks to everyone who came along. It was a true leap of faith, especially if you turned up all alone, not knowing a soul, in the rain, not sure where to park or which shoes to wear (autumn problems). Thank you for taking the leap with us.
Join Us for the Next Walk & Talk
Please make a note in your diary of the dates of the next Walk & Talk events:
📅 Sunday 21 March 2027, 3pm
📅 Sunday 11 July 2027, 3pm
Whatever brought you here, whether that’s IVF, male fertility struggles, donor conception, surrogacy, pregnancy loss, solo parenthood, life after treatment or a route that looks nothing like anyone else’s, you are welcome. Bring a friend, or bring nobody at all and meet people when you get there.
It’s totally free to come along. Fill in the form below to Join our Walk & Talk mailing list and we’ll let you know as soon as registration opens.
Could You Host a Walk?
We have a small number of hosts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we’d love more. If you could help in those areas, or anywhere else in the world, please email Clare on volunteer@fertilityaction.org to chat about how we can support you.
