Now in its fifth year, the Stonewall Brighton Equality Walk, this year sponsored by American Express, goes from strength to strength. Today saw a bigger turnout than ever with just over 300 walkers gracing the gardens of the Royal Pavilion ready for a 10km walk through the scenic streets and seafront of Brighton. Between them they raised a staggering £32,000!

Lead by guest celebrities such as the fabulous Amy Lamé and Dicky and Dolly, former contestants of Big Brother 7 and now hosts on Gaydar Radio and not forgetting the lovely Sue Perkins, a keen supporter but couldn't make it with us on the day. There was an unexpected but very welcome appearance from the mayor of Brighton and Hove, Carol Theobald who greeted walkers as they prepared to set off.

This was a typical Sunday afternoon in Brighton with all ages and the diverse culture that the city has to offer, especially at this time of year with Brighton’s Fringe Festival well under way. Stonewall's own Swank girls were on hand to provide entertainment and embarrassment in the Pavilion Gardens whilst we waited for the walk to commence.

And they were off! In weather that couldn’t have been more ideal for walking, the group followed the same route as last year which was designed by BLAGSS, taking them down to Hove lawns, back along Western Road for a spot of shopping and then down North Street and up St James Street to Kemp Town, around Lewes Crescent and then back down Marine Parade to Legends for a well deserved drink... phew!

The Brighton Equality Walk has become an integral part of the Stonewall calendar and is an important fund-raiser for them. Stonewall has been active on many fronts over the years, and with its fantastic new campaign ‘Some people are gay, get over it’ what better reason than to support an organisation that does so much for us in helping to eradicate homophobic hate crime, tackling anti-gay bullying in schools and fighting all forms of prejudice against lesbian and gay people.

For more information and to support Stonewall and to lend your support check out www.stonewall.org.uk/support_us