Zombie Walk volunteers Jack Kirby and Hannah Deathridge join event founder Jamie Chapman (centre) to recreate the classic Shaun of the Dead poster image (Photo: Kris Askey)
Zombie Walk volunteers Jack Kirby and Hannah Deathridge join event founder Jamie Chapman (centre) to recreate the classic Shaun of the Dead poster image (Photograph: Kris Askey)

Birmingham’s sixth annual Zombie Walk has been announced for Saturday 13th September, with over two thousand of the ‘walking dead’ expected to descend on the city.

Following a successful march through the city last year in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, thousands of fundraisers will once again don Zombie make-up and attire and take to the streets in “search of brains”.

With an emphasis on putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising, the increasingly popular event is the brainchild of born-and-bred Brummie and seasoned Flashmob organiser Jamie Chapman; who this year won the Birmingham Inspire Young Fundraiser of the Year award.

“It’s been awesome watching the Zombie Walk grow since it first started back in 2009, when less than 100 people turned up. It’s crazy to think that the event now attracts thousands, all wanting to have fun and raise money for a good cause,” explains the 23-year-old from Sutton Coldfield.

Photographer Kris Askey managing a photoshoot to promote last year's Birmingham Zombie Walk (Photograph: Adam Yosef)
Photographer Kris Askey managing a photoshoot to promote last year’s Zombie Walk (Photograph: Adam Yosef)
Birmingham Zombies founder Jamie Chapman poses with a poster bearing his face in 2012 (Photograph: Adam Yosef)
Birmingham Zombies founder Jamie Chapman poses with a poster bearing his face, in 2012 (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

The walk, this year supported by Free Radio, is set to take place in central Birmingham with registered participants donating money to have professional ghoulish make-up and litres of fake blood applied.

This will be followed by a mass Zombie Walk around the city centre – complete with eerie groans and slow walking – taking in popular city landmarks.

“It’s great to see the reaction of the public when a hoard of zombies stumble through the city centre. It’s not something you see everyday! We can’t wait to announce the brand new route and all the other awesome things we have planned. People wanting to get involved can register their interest at www.birminghamzombies.com for all the latest updates.

Thousands of 'zombies' converge on the city every year (Photograph: Adam Yosef)
Thousands of blood-covered  ‘zombies’ converge on the city every year (Photograph: Adam Yosef)
The zombie horde take to the city streets outside the Birmingham bullring (Photograph: Kris Askey)
The zombie horde take to the city streets outside the Birmingham Bullring (Photograph: Kris Askey)

“We’re hoping to have more zombies than we’ve ever had before, all registering to get involved. The support of individuals, local businesses and the community has been overwhelming. We have people of all ages, including families who bring along their children, taking part in the fun,” says organiser Jamie.

“This year is the sixth Zombie Walk in Birmingham and we’re hoping to raise a huge amount for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It’s become an event that people look forward to and an essential part of the city’s social calendar.”

Birmingham Children's Hospital patient Rafe Walker speaks to the fundraisers last year (Photograph: Kris Askey)
Birmingham Children’s Hospital patient Rafe Walker speaks to the fundraisers last year (Photograph: Kris Askey)

Speaking at the event will be 14-year-old Children’s Hospital patient Rafe Walker, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just 8-years-old. He will be attending with his mum Liz and starting the walk on the day.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Events Manager, Lucie O’Reilly, said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the Zombie Walk team who have raised almost £15,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital since the event began in 2009. Due to the organisers’ hard work and dedication, this event has grown in popularity each year attracting thousands of ‘zombies’ at last year’s event. We can’t wait to see what this year’s event holds and want to say a massive thank you to the Zombie team for their continued support and friendship.”

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To register for the Zombie Walk 2014, visit: www.birminghamzombies.com

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