Registration for the Island’s largest and most iconic fundraising event, Walk the Wight, opens today (Monday, 30th January).
Mountbatten’s flagship fundraiser, thought to be the largest walking event of its kind in Europe, this year takes place on Sunday, 14th May.
Each year, Walk the Wight raises hundreds of thousands of pounds to help Mountbatten deliver expert care and support to Islanders when they need it most.
Hartley: Expect 40 per cent increase in demand over next 18 months
Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley said, in the current climate, support for the event was needed now more than ever. He said,
“We now look after around 2,000 people on any one day and the need for our services is growing rapidly – we expect a 40 per cent increase in demand over the next 18 months.
“As an independent charity, we rely on the generosity and kindness of our amazing Island community to fundraise over £10 million every year.
“With demand for our support ever growing and the cost of living at an all-time high, this figure will keep rising.”
Due to increasing costs and to simplify the registration process, Mountbatten has this year introduced a single-entry fee of £10 for all walkers.
Nigel said,
“While entry fees help to cover the cost of organising the event, it is your fundraising efforts that make the real difference to the Islanders we support and we urge you to raise as much as you can in sponsorship.
“With every step you take and every pound you raise, more Islanders will face death, dying, and bereavement with Mountbatten by their side.”
Mountbatten has also announced special incentives for top fundraisers.
Walkers who raise more than £500 (Silver Award) or £1000 (Gold Award) by 14th April will receive a special keepsake and be invited into the hospice for a VIP Walk the Wight reception ahead of the event.
Chipperfield: We can all make a difference when we Walk the Wight together
Jo Chipperfield, who walked the Wight in 2022, raising more than £4,000, said,
“Our beautiful, brave and courageous mum was moved to the hospice in February 2022, where she received the most amazing and best-possible care that we could have asked for.
“We will be walking again in 2023. Someone’s son, daughter, mum, dad, sister, brother or best friend raised or donated money that meant our mum could be cared for in the best possible way – and we want to do the same for others.
“No-one knows when we or someone we know and love might need care from the amazing team at Mountbatten. But we can all make a difference when we Walk the Wight together.”
Register today
To register for Walk the Wight 2023, head over to the Website.
Sponsored by Red Funnel, Walk the Wight is an epic walk across the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside and offers multiple route options to suit all ages and abilities.
For 26.5 miles of glorious Isle of Wight scenery, there is the Full Walk, between Bembridge and The Needles. For something more manageable, there are two Half Walks (12.5 or 14 miles), or the wheelchair accessible, pushchair friendly Flat Walk (eight miles), between Sandown and Shide.
* Schools Walk the Wight registration will open at the beginning of March.
News shared by Matt on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
