More than 8,000 people put on their boots, slapped on the sun cream and stepped out in the name of charity yesterday (Sunday) for the 28th annual Walk the Wight in aid of Mountbatten.
The weather on Saturday didn’t look at all that promising for the thousands of fundraisers preparing for the 26.5 mile challenge, but by 06:00 on Sunday morning the sun was shining with blue skies overhead – and it continued to do throughout the day.
The annual fundraising event – which this year is expected to raise over £250,000 for the Isle of Wight-based charity – got underway bright and early at 06:00 from Bembridge with the help of Sandown’s Town Crier, John Davies. For 2018 walkers had a 2 hour window in which to set off on either the half or full walk; Bembridge to Carisbrooke or Bembridge to Alum Bay.
Walkers also began their thought-provoking journey at Carisbrooke to complete the half walk to Alum Bay, whilst those taking part in the full walk used the beautiful views behind Carisbrooke Castle as a much-welcomed lunch stop. Those completing the full walk managed to accumulate over 55,000 steps.
Once again the 8-mile Flat Walk took place between Sandown and Shide with individuals, families and pets of all ages enjoying the leisurely stroll along the old railway line. Briddlesford Farm had refreshments available at the end of the walk at Shide.
Over in the West Wight, school children accepted the challenge of walking 4 miles from Freshwater to Alum Bay to do their bit of Mountbatten. They set off at 10:00 with Tennyson Down ahead of them.
Jax Jones, Major Events Fundraiser and Walk the Wight organiser, said:
“This year’s event couldn’t have gone better including the wonderful weather. I’ve seen nothing but sunshine and smiles today and it makes me feel very proud to be part of the community that makes this special event happen in support of Mountbatten.
“From our fundraising team to the organisations, businesses and voluntary groups involved – as well as the walkers themselves – all have once again come together to create an outstanding and inspiring day. Thank you.”
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive, who for the third year walked the entire 26.5 miles said:
“I am so proud of the whole Walk the Wight team and their exceptional organisation of the event, including all of the volunteers from many groups across the Island who helped and supported such an amazing day. We are very grateful that not only did nearly 8,000 people walked and raised money, but they also raised awareness of our outstanding cause and support of people facing death, dying and bereavement.
“Thank you also to all of you for your kind words of encouragement and support – both along the way and on Facebook and Twitter. You really spurred me and our Island community on!”
Walk the Wight was founded by Bill Bradley and Frank Stevens. What started out as a small team building exercise for Morey’s staff (now known as Jewson) has grown to become the largest fundraising event on the Island and the largest sponsored walk of its kind in Europe.
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