Fundraisers will have a chance to talk while they walk, by taking part in free guided walks, as part of this year’s 70 Mile May fundraising challenge.
The an annual event, run by arts for wellbeing charity, Independent Arts, encourages supporters to cover the equivalent distance of the Isle of Wight’s coastline during the month of May.
A new social element to the fundraising event
This year, for the first time, participants will be able to make up some of their 70 miles by joining likeminded people in a number of guided walks, adding a new social element to the fundraising event.
Participants will also be able to join both the Independent Arts fundraisers Facebook group, and a brand new 70 Mile May Strava club, so they can track their walks, but also share their activity with other fundraising walkers.
Natural Links Walk
Join Dave Fairlamb, of Natural Links, who is kindly donating his time for a special Nature Walk around six miles of the perimeter pathways of Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve at 9am Tuesday 24th May.
Starting in St. Helens, the route follows sections of the Bembridge Trail and Yar River Trail overlooking the wetlands and reedbeds of the Nature Reserve, through woodlands at Bembridge and Centurion’s Copse and surrounding farmland and hedgerows, returning via Laundry Lane.
This educational and sociable walk will not only increase your monthly miles, but also offer the opportunity to see migrant birds that have returned, butterflies and dragonflies on the wing, and wildflowers in bloom.
This event is free for 70 Mile May fundraisers, to take part simply reserve your place for the Natural Links walk and create a JustGiving fundraising page.
St Helens Circular Walk
Join members of the Independent Arts team for a Sunday afternoon circular stroll, beginning in St Helens, before heading through Pondwell, Seaview and Seagrove Bay, finishing up back in St Helens.
This relaxed sociable walk is around seven miles, taking about three hours including a stop for refreshments at the Mermaid Inn (or in Seaview).
The walk will set off from the carpark on the green at 3pm Sunday 15th May and is again free to join, simply email [email protected] to book your place!
Fundraising impact
Independent Arts is an Isle of Wight charity, established in 1987, using the arts to improve wellbeing, quality of life and to reduce social isolation. It believes that art is for all stages of life, and delivers vital services across all ages, mindful of the range of needs.
All funds raised by this annual event go directly to supporting isolated and vulnerable Island residents, supporting them through the arts.
Gagliani: We know the importance of a good chat
Independent Arts Chief Executive, Lisa Gagliani MBE said,
“We hope the addition of these guided group walks will add a new benefit to those taking part in our annual walking fundraising challenge! As well as raising funds for Independent Arts with every mile you walk, you can also meet new likeminded people, and experience the benefits of the outdoors, nature, and socialising.
“For a lot of our participants, Independent Arts workshops are some of the only socialising they experience all week, so we know the importance of a good chat!
“We hope to see lots of familiar and new faces enjoying these walks and raising money together!”
News shared by Ralph on behalf of Independent Arts. Ed
Image: ellena mcguinness under CC BY 2.0
