Thousands of people turned out to support Mountbatten on Sunday (8th May) by taking part in this year’s Walk the Wight – and the date for next year’s event has just been announced!
More than 4,000 people took part across the various routes, supported by nearly 200 volunteers, Mountbatten staff and many others from various Island businesses.
The turnout was considerably more than September’s event and it’s hoped next year’s walk – on Sunday 14th May 2023 – will continue to see numbers return towards pre-pandemic levels of around 8,000 walkers.
Walkers set off from 06:00 at Bembridge and many went the full distance to Alum Bay. Some walked either the first or second half and, for the first time, the final 4 miles of the main route was opened to everyone.
The Flat Walk from Sandown to Newport and the Schools Walk also attracted many walkers.
Michelle Wright was walking in memory of her late husband, Steve. She said:
“It is so important to support Mountbatten.
“We are all going to need Mountbatten at some point, it is an amazing place and it does so much for people in different ways.
Article continues below this advertisement “Steve did this walk in his wheelchair in 2019 and he was with me all the way.”
Nigel Hartley, CEO of Mountbatten, says:
“Given all the challenges of the last two years and having only had a walk just eight months ago, we were delighted to see so many people support Mountbatten on Sunday.
“This year felt extra special, perhaps because it has been three years since we last walked in May. The atmosphere was as good as anything I can remember, it was a real privilege to be part of it.
“We hope this is a real turning point for us after a very uncertain time caused by the pandemic.
“The walk once again showed what an incredible community we have on the Island so on behalf of everyone at Mountbatten, including our patients and their families, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.”
Walkers are encouraged to send in their sponsorship money to Mountbatten by September.
Congratulations to Rob, Mark and Chris who completed the whole walk for the second year running, proud of you lads.