Amit Patel and his internet sensation guide dog, Kika have joined 'The Big Walk'.

Launched live on BBC’s the One Show, four teams of walkers have spent the last few weeks embarking on an epic journey from Morecambe to their respective homes in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.
 
Amit, 38 and Kika, join The Big Walk as team England head back to London in time for a celebratory Big Lunch.  
 
The Big Walk is designed to shine a light on the people at the heart of the UK’s communities, who work together to make great things happen. 
 
A former A&E doctor, Amit lost his sight five years ago, following a catastrophic haemorrhage behind his eyes.

He hit the headlines earlier this year after @Kika collar cam filmed his daily interactions with people. The footage revealed a shocking perspective on the world, where people pushed and shoved the pair.  

Amit now campaigns for inclusion and accessibility and wants to use his time on The Big Walk to show people what can be achieved when you put your mind to it.
 
Amit is excited to get cracking on his leg of The Big Walk, setting off from Tamworth and heading to Birmingham in time for a big community walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

He said: “I love meeting new people and find that Kika is a great ice breaker, plus we love walking and like to prove that even though you have a disability, it shouldn’t stop you from doing what you believe in. 

"It’s amazing to be able to go out and talk to people and meet people but I know not everybody can – communities need to be open to everyone and have space for people to join in.

"I really hope everyone takes part in The Big Lunch and gets to know their neighbours better on 3 June.”

Joe Ferns, Director of Funding at the Big Lottery Fund, says: “Amit and Kika are playing an important role in helping us to celebrate and showcase the great things people are doing within their communities each and every day.  

"The Big Walk and The Big Lunch bring people together and shine a light on fantastic community projects - many of which are National Lottery-funded - that are making a real difference to people’s lives across the UK. We’re proud to support them and hope to inspire many more to build the friendships and connections that help make communities thrive.”  

Peter Stewart of The Big Lunch said, “The Big Lunch is a chance for people everywhere to build those friendships and connections locally, which help to create stronger, happier communities.

"Last year 9.3 million people had fun together at over 96,000 events across the UK -  so give our walkers a smile and a wave, and sign up to bring your own community together for a Big Lunch on June 3.

The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project in Cornwall and was launched back in 2009 with the simple premise that ‘great things happen when you bring people together’. 

Anyone can take part! Order a free pack and join millions of others across the UK for The Big Lunch on 3 June. Find out more here