Emma shares this latest from Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Ed
A night of celebration has been held to pay tribute to the stars of Walk the Wight 2016, who took part in the iconic event which supports patient and family care provided by Earl Mountbatten Hospice both in the community and at the Hospice building in Newport.
A total of 21 awards were presented to winners of a range of categories, such as the youngest and oldest participants, special achievers and top fundraisers.
Chief Executive Nigel Hartley, who led the presentations with Director of Patient Services Liz Arnold, paid tribute to the incredible efforts of all involved.
He said:
“This was my second year of taking part and, once again, I have been astounded at the extraordinary energy from everyone involved. It was wonderful to witness the determined march of thousands of walkers winding their way across the Island, all with so many reasons for taking part, yet all making one concerted effort to raise as much as possible, so the hospice can continue to serve our local community.”
Liz Arnold added:
“Without your dedication to this cause, such an incredible event could not take place. Therefore, on behalf of our patients, their families, our staff and volunteers, I would like to offer you our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation.”
Special Recognition award for Peter Middleton
Among the award winners was a Special Recognition award for Peter Middleton, which was accepted by his wife Gail. Peter, who was 53, was a dedicated member of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and died after a long illness at the hospice earlier this year.
In May, on crutches, Peter decided to raise money by walking up to the Tennyson Monument on the day of Walk the Wight and although he was only expected to manage a few hundred yards, he completed four miles and raised over £3,000 in sponsorship.
In his memory, ‘Peter’s Walk’ will now continue to take place each year.
Over £5,000 raised by David Coke
David Coke was presented with the Hospice Cup for the Most Money Raised by an Individual. David, from West Cowes, decided to raise money in memory of his father, who was cared for by the Hospice.
In total, he managed to raise an incredible £5,135.92
Schools Walk the Wight
In the year that the tenth birthday of Schools Walk the Wight was celebrated, Summerfields Primary School was presented with the Harris Family Cup for the Most Money Raised by a School.
Students and teachers raised an impressive £2,873.90.
Meanwhile, the HF Holiday’s Cup for the Most Money Raised by a Schoolchild was awarded to Benjamin Strickland who completed the walk in memory of his great grandmother and raised an incredible £1,809.90
Top dogs
Other awards included the Pet Doctors Top Dog Award, which went to Lexi owned by Lisa Brodie from Newport, who raised a tail-wagging £515, the Newport Lions Shield for the Oldest Flat Walk participant, which was presented to Leonard Tewkesbury who was 90 when he took part, and the Flat Walk Personal Achievement Award which was presented by the Sandown/Shanklin Lions to Gary Axford.
John White was presented the Fran Sexton Memorial Cup for being the Oldest Man to Complete the Whole Walk, at the age of 85.
Congratulations to all
Closing the ceremony, Chief Executive Nigel Hartley said:
“Congratulations to all of the winners, and to everyone who walked the Wight this year. Huge thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters; we couldn’t do it without your help.
“We look forward to celebrating another year of Walk the Wight in 2017, when the Hospice celebrates its 35th anniversary.”
Amount raised so far revealed
On the night it was also revealed that the total raised so far is £299,087, which is tantalisingly close to the £300,000 target set for this year’s event.
Major Events Fundraiser Jax Jones, who organises Walk the Wight, said;
“We are absolutely overwhelmed with the support we have received this year. Those who’ve yet to hand in their sponsorship could really be the difference between us reaching our target or not, so if you took part in the event or know anyone who did, we’d encourage you to send in your hard earned funds as soon as you can.”
Date confirmed for 2017
Meanwhile, the date for next year’s Walk the Wight has also been revealed as 14 May. 2017 sees the 35th anniversary of Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Walk the Wight will feature amongst the special events taking place to celebrate this milestone.
Registrations for Walk the Wight 2017 opens in our shops and on our website (www.iwhospice.org) on 27 January 2017.
Full list of award winners
Hayward Family Cup – Youngest to Complete the Half Walk
Presented by Mike Hayward Recipient Jessica Glover
Bill Bradley Cup – Youngest to complete Whole Walk
Presented by Jo Smith & Elaine Harris Recipient Ryan Morris
Newport Lion’s Cup – Flat Walk the Wight Top Young Fundraiser
Presented by Rose Tizard Recipient Freya Clark
HF Holiday’s Cup – Schools Walk the Wight Most Money Raised by a Schoolchild
Presented by Nigel Hartley Recipient Benjamin Strickland accepted by Emily Haynes
Harris Family Cup – Most Money Raised by a School
Presented by Dani Johnson Recipient Summerfields Primary
Pet Doctors – Top Dog Award
Presented by Dani Barton Recipient Lexi (with Lisa Brodie)
Jackman Family Cup – Best Fancy Dress
Presented by Cris Jackman Recipient The Scarecrows
Needles Cup – Most Money Raised by a Team
Presented by Mike Kullander Recipient Team Marshall
Mike Wray Memorial Cup – Volunteer Award
Presented by Jax Jones Recipient Karen Spiers
Ryde Lion’s Cup – Flat Walk Personal Achievement Award
Presented by Gordon Barton Recipient Lou Iley
Ryde Lion’s Cup – Flat Walk Personal Achievement Award
Presented by Gordon Barton Recipient Sheila Weedall
Ventnor Lion’s Award – Flat Walk Personal Achievement Awards
Presented by Phil Holland Recipient Glen & Gill Moreton accepted by Peter Gilliam
Sandown/Shanklin Lion’s Cup – Flat Walk Personal Achievement Award
Presented by Janet MacKay Recipient Gary Axford
Sandown/Shanklin Lion’s Cup – Flat Walk Personal Achievement Awards
Presented by Janet MacKay Recipient Anne Stone
Newport Lions Shield – Flat Walk the Wight Oldest Participant
Presented by Rose Tizard Recipient Leonard Tewkesbury
Morey’s Challenge Cup – Oldest Lady to Complete the Half Walk
Presented by John Packer Recipient Janet Whiteman
Earl Mountbatten Hospice Cup – Oldest male to Complete the Half Walk
Presented by John Packer Recipient John Whiteman
Martin Holmes Memorial Cup – Oldest Lady to Complete the Whole Walk
Presented by Alan Truckle Recipient Anne Powell
Fran Sexton Memorial Cup – Oldest Man to Complete the Whole Walk
Presented by Carol Alstrom Recipient John White
Earl Mountbatten Hospice Cup – Most Money Raised by an Individual
Presented by Rosamond Poncia Recipient David Coke
Earl Mountbatten Hospice Cup – Special Recognition Award
Presented by Anne Axford Recipient Peter Middleton accepted by Gail Middleton
