Walk the Wight has been cancelled for 2020 due to the ever-changing situation with coronavirus, it has been announced.
The annual major fundraising event was due to take place on Sunday 10th May 2020 for it’s 30th year.
Although the actual walk has been pulled, those who were due to cross the garden isle in aid of the Island’s hospice are being asked to ‘Walk the Wight your way’ instead – clocking up the miles at home.
A spokesperson for Mountbatten IW has said:
”The decision not to go ahead with the May 10 event as originally planned comes as it looks increasingly likely that the government will halt mass events and gatherings in the coming days. We are also not wishing to put extra pressure on public services, and our own staff and volunteer resources during what is an unprecedented time.
“Additionally, Mountbatten has been dealing with the challenges that the current situation causes for vulnerable people accessing our care and support, which are changing every day.”
Those already registered to take part in Walk the Wight 2020 will receive a special map which can be used to complete ‘Walk the Wight’ through walking, running, cycling, or skipping. Islanders are being urged to start now and collect sponsorship money through March, April and May.
Nigel Hartley, CEO of Mountbatten, says:
”As the situation continues to evolve, it is becoming clear that we won’t be able to stage the event in its usual format. Although we are all of course extremely disappointed, that must not deter us from ensuring that we make the best success we can of what will be the 30th Walk the Wight.
“We want everyone to now ‘Walk the Wight your way’ and get as creative as possible in clocking up your miles. If we all pull together, I am sure we can still make the event a great deal of fun.
“Walk the Wight annually raises around £250,000 and is an important source of income for Mountbatten. We cannot afford to continue to deliver the services we do, as well as meet the needs of an increasing number of people, without the income that this event brings. We hope that we can still give those who support us the opportunity to take part in something amazing and help Island families who need Mountbatten’s support both now and in the future.
That’s a crying shame but it makes sense Isle of Wight festival is next surely?????
Would be nice if the very highly paid CEO at least halved his salary for this year to encourage others to give more in such awful times.
Lets hope people do support this charity fully, but imo, those at the top need to show they too are giving more than just ‘words’ to give faith to those living on far less to support this wonderful charity.
Not a time to target individuals, so shut up!!
The hospice is a large charity and needs to pay in line with the market rate to attract and retain talent at the top i.e. the CEO. One can only assume you are either a) envious and/or b) do not understand the basic economics of the supply and demand of labour/forget that the principles apply to charities as well as businesses.
An unfortunate comment at a time like this, pointing to an individual that way is unnecessary and is an example of disunity at a time when we need to unite.
People really do need to think before posting comments on social media, we are all human beings, as such we need to work together at a time when we are all threatened in one way or another.
The CEO as all of us need to show respect to the circumstances and consider our own actions with the knock effect on others.
We should NOT single out individuals for persecution based on their positions or finances.
Whilst it is a shame the walk has been cancelled, there is no reason why people can not still donate to the hospice .
Pure mass hysteria
Won’t affect me. I’ll still be doing it. I suggest an independent walk the wight
“The outdoors offers easier protection against droplet infection because air circulation is better,” said Kazunori Tomono, a professor of infections medicine at Osaka University Hospital.