Island walk breaks records
Around 10,000 people took part in the recent Walk the Wight in aid of Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
The full walk across the Island is 26.5 miles between Bembridge and Alum Bay. There is a newly-introduced eight-mile Flat Walk along the cycle path from Sandown to Newport, approximately half the distance. (Photo from County Press)
Walk the WIght was created during the early Spring days of 1991 by two old friends who loved walking, and started walking for charity. It has become the largest annual fund raising event on the Island.
perfect conditions
Early morning cloud and drizzle were replaced by glorious sunshine as participants walked, ran, stilt-walked, hobbled and limped their way across the Island.
Hospice fundraiser Karen Eeles said: “After last year’s torrential rain, who would have thought we’d get so many people? The atmosphere was fantastic.”
growing event
Before Sunday, 8,275 walkers had registered to walk either the and organisers have estimated that more than 1,000 more registered on the day. Local people of all ages and abilities joined in, and lots of youngsters - and dogs - also took part..
Fundraisers are hoping the total raised will exceed last year’s figure of £230,000.
This is a growing event, having raised £200,000 in 2006 and £217,000 in 2007. Walker numbers have also risen, with over 5,000 last year having grown to an estimated 10,000 this year.
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