Freshwater Bay has been selected as one of nine national seaside locations to stage a UK charity’s fundraising walk, thanks to Wightlink’s support to bring the event to the Isle of Wight.
Wightlink is an official supporter of the Family Holiday Association’s (FHA) Seaside Walk Week, a series of guided walks taking place at locations across England between 23rd – 31st May. The week aims to raise money and awareness of the Association’s work to give struggling and deprived families a break – from a simple day out to a few days at the British seaside. For many families, it will not only be the first time they have seen the sea, it may be the first time they have left the place from which they are from.
On Wednesday 27th May, Wightlink will be encouraging as many Islanders as possible to don their walking boots for the Association’s first event on the Isle of Wight. Starting at HF Holiday’s Freshwater Bay House, walkers can choose between either a short or long route, ranging between 5.5 and 12.2 miles. Both walks are suitable for participants of all ages and experience.
The shorter of the two walks follows the Tennyson Trail along the coast on the edge of Tennyson Down, whilst the longer walk follows the same route but continuing along the coastal path at Totland Bay to Warden Point and on to Colwell Bay to Yarmouth.
Registration for the walk costs £15 per adult, £5 per child aged 5-16 and under-fives go free. To register, visit: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/event/family-holiday-associations-seaside-walk/?instance_id=697
Angie Watson, the Association’s Fundraising and Communications Manager, said:
“We are thrilled that one of the walks is taking place on the Isle of Wight, an Island that is famous for its picturesque outdoor trails and many walking events. Wightlink’s involvement in Seaside Walk Week is key and we look forward to seeing lots of walking enthusiasts enjoying the Freshwater Bay route on the 27 May”.
Mark Persad, Head of Marketing at Wightlink Ferries, said:
“The Family Holiday Association is a fantastic charity that helps struggling families facing some of life’s toughest challenges benefit from a break away.
“We are delighted to be supporting The Association during this event and look forward to working with them more closely in the future, offering support in giving families the well-deserved quality time together they need.”
Support for the Family Holiday Association is just one way the ferry company helps charities and the Isle of Wight’s community. Wightlink backs many worthwhile causes every year and has announced that the Isle of Wight Youth Trust is to be the company’s official charity for 2015/16.
Mark Persad added:
“We’re delighted to offer our support to the Isle of Wight Youth Trust. They are a vital independent charity, offering professional counselling, advice, information and support services to young people aged 25 and under. They are a fantastically run charity who help a significant number of the Island’s young people and we are really proud to be able to help raise awareness and hopefully encourage our passengers to support them, too”.
