When this year’s celebratory Walk the Wight sets off on Sunday 11th May, in aid of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, an incredible 459 dogs will step out with their owners.
Over 200 furry friends will be sporting cheery special-edition bandanas.
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of this iconic, award-winning fundraising event, which started life as a company team-building exercise.
These days, it takes in 4 different routes and involves thousands of walkers, marshals, staff and volunteers – as well as those 4-legged fundraisers.
At Walk the Wight, there is something to suit you: The full 26.5 miles (from Bembridge to Alum Bay); the 2 half walks (starting or finishing at Carisbrooke); the eight-mile flat walk (from Sandown to Shide); and the popular Schools Walk, which challenges families to complete much of the distance before the big day and then walk the final stretch over Tennyson Down.
Others are walking the Wight their own way – on treadmills or over shorter distances, allowing them to challenge themselves at their own pace. Over 4,600 people have already signed up to Walk the Wight, which means you will be in good company if you decide to join them.
Walkers are travelling from as far as Australia to take part. Others will be walking the distance in Canada. Meanwhile, one walker will be making up the miles on board a cruise ship, while snapping up sponsorship from others on board.
Sign up today (£15 per person, until 8th May) to receive your digital walker pack. Collect your walker number from your chosen start line. Visit: https://www.mountbatten.org.uk/registerhere.
Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 special anniversary t-shirts have been snapped up (there is still time to order yours).
Walk the Wight raises vital funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight, supporting our expert end-of-life nurses who are working in homes across the Island and in our hospice in Newport, 24/7.
It costs £10.5million per year to run Mountbatten Isle of Wight. Just one third of this comes from NHS commissioners. The other two-thirds come from our amazing community and people like you – through donations, grants and fundraising events like Walk the Wight.
Who’s coming for “WALKIE’S”
The poor dogs don’t get a choice.
I feel sorry for the dogs who’s owners go
jogging or cycling and take their dogs with them.
Also the Numpty’s who take their dogs to the
beach and keep throwing the ball in the sea and the
dog keeps retrieving it.
I would like to throw the ball and see the owners
have to keep going in the sea.
Dogs only need so much exercise.