Over 7,000 men, women, children and dogs have so far registered to take part in this weekend’s Walk the Wight 2016 in aid of Earl Mountbatten Hospice – the largest charity event of its kind in Europe.
Walkers will join a number of routes on Sunday: the full walk from Bembridge to the Needles Landmark Attraction (26.5 miles); the first half from Bembridge to Carisbrooke (12.5 miles); the second half from Carisbrooke to the Needles Landmark Attraction (14 miles) and the flat walk from Sandown Bay Academy to Shide (8 miles).
The oldest walker this year is a 90-year-old man, who will join walkers from not only across the Isle of Wight, but the mainland, Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands and even Australia.
Any last minute walkers who have yet to take up the challenge can now register to join the event on the day. You can register at each start point on the day for a suggested minimum donation of £20 for an individual or £10 per adult/£5 per child for groups of three or more.
2016 also sees the 10th birthday of Schools Walk the Wight. Over 30 primary schools have taken part in the initiative; the aim is to walk the same distance as one Walk the Wight by clocking up their miles during everyday activities. On the day of Walk the Wight, children and parents can choose to take part in the 4-mile Schools Walk to complete their miles. Those taking part are being encouraged to wear party clothes with sensible footwear and each pre-registered child will receive a party bag for their efforts.
Earl Mountbatten Hospice CEO Nigel Hartley is among those taking on the full walk from Bembridge to the Needles. He said:
“Last year was my first experience of Walk the Wight and I was truly humbled to see so many Islanders get involved to support our patients and families receiving care, both at the Hospice and across the wider community. We are also very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible.
“I shall be walking on Sunday with a friend whose father died at the hospice, and I know that many others will also be remembering loved ones who are no longer with us. Their continued support will mean that we can continue to provide the highest quality care possible for people with a whole range of life-limiting conditions.
Article continues below this advertisement “Good luck and thank you to everyone who takes part, including our 300 volunteers and event staff”.
STARTS:
- Bembridge – Britten Norman Airport – 06:30 to 08:15
- Carisbrooke – opposite Mountjoy, Whitcombe Road – 09:30 to noon
- Flat Walk Sandown – 08:30 to 10:30
- Schools Walk Freshwater Bay – 09:00 to noon
FINISHES:
- Carisbrooke – 11:30 to 13:30. Shuttle bus back to Newport
- Needles Park – 14:30 to 18:00 Shuttle bus back to Yarmouth, Carisbrooke & Newport
- Flat Walk, Shide – closes at 16:00
