More than 9,300 people took part in the 35th anniversary of Walk the Wight last weekend (Sunday 11th May) raising an early total of £410,000 – with more still to come.
The 35th annual event saw walkers set off in sunny conditions across four routes, including the main 26.5-mile challenge from Bembridge to Alum Bay. Around 1,000 dogs also took part, accompanying their owners and adding to the unique atmosphere of the day.
Fundraisers travelled from far and wide, with participants from Canada and South Africa joining the event. One individual even walked the full distance aboard a cruise ship to show their support.
This year’s Schools Walk saw a sharp rise in participation, with 500 more young walkers joining the route from Freshwater Bay to Alum Bay after completing earlier sections in their own time. The Schools Walk alone has already raised £46,000 – £6,000 more than in 2024 – with further donations expected.
Mountbatten is now encouraging walkers who haven’t yet submitted their sponsorship to do so online, by post or in person. Full details can be found at:
www.mountbatten.org.uk/appeal/pay-in-your-walk-the-wight-2025-sponsorship
Next year’s Walk the Wight will take place on Sunday (10th May 2026). Pre-registration is already open, with early sign-ups receiving a 10% discount when formal registration opens. Interested participants can visit: www.mountbatten.org.uk/forms/wtw2026
The success of this year’s walk was supported by hundreds of volunteers and dozens of local businesses, all contributing to what has become one of the Isle of Wight’s biggest and most meaningful annual events.
Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, MBE who has walked eleven times and who this year recorded his best time, said:
“Thank you. Just thank you.
“Taking part in Walk the Wight means so much to our charity. The day is about making memories, remembering loved-ones and challenging ourselves.
“This is a huge event for the Isle of Wight and for the UK. The critical funds, raised by your incredible efforts, help our experienced nurses, doctors and wider expert staff deliver 24/7 end-of-life care and bereavement services to the Islanders who need us.”
Walk the Wight organiser, Ashleigh Gibbs, said:
“What a day we had! It never ceases to be amazing when so many thousands of people come together to Walk the Wight in support of our charity. Whoever you walked with and whatever route you completed, we hope you made amazing memories. We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026!
No one comments..sad ..oh well i will well done to all..
Well done to everyone who put in the effort,
it was great weather for the occasion.