Islanders are being encouraged to take part in the Independent Arts charity fundraiser ’70 Mile May’.
The challenge is to head outdoors and walk 70 miles through the month of May: the equivalent of walking all the island’s costal paths. Participants can take part anywhere, tracking their miles online and raising money as they go.
70 Mile May provided not only a great fundraising success for Independent Arts in 2021, but also encouraged all those willing walkers who took part to take more outdoor exercise than they normally would during lockdowns.
This year, by signing up, you can socialise while you walk. The charity is offering like-minded walkers and fundraisers a chance to join the Independent Arts team for organised guided walks throughout the month, varying in difficulty, themes, and location. Participants will be able to join a free nature walk in Bembridge, led by local expert Dave Fairlamb of Nature Links. Independent Arts will also be leading a free local history walk around Cowes on Thursday 12th May, as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival.
Independent Arts Chief Executive, Lisa Gagliani MBE said:
“We are hoping that many people will want to join us for 70 Mile May. It’s something most people can do without too much of a stretch, and it’s the perfect antidote to the long winter and two years of pandemic gloom.
“The monies raised and the conversations about the arts activities we offer, will help us reach more who need us most: the lonely and isolated.”
Sharon Tate – who took part in 2021 – said:
“I enjoyed taking part for a worthwhile cause and it was good to be in the great outdoors fundraising for a charity close to my heart, exploring different areas of the island.”
It’s free to take part in 70 Mile May. To sign up, you simply need to create your fundraising page on JustGiving at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/70MileMay22. Independent Arts recommend a fundraising target of £70; however, this is a target not an obligation, just raise what you can and walk as many miles throughout the month as possible.
