Thanks to Erika for this latest news from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Ed
On Wednesday 6 November, Earl Mountbatten Hospice hosted the Walk the Wight Awards 2013, to thank their walkers and supporters. Over 100 people attended the ceremony, which was held at the Hospice’s shop in Lugley Street, Newport. The store was transformed with sunflowers and bunting, and guests were welcomed with canapés made by the apprentice chefs at the Isle of Wight College.
Walk the Wight is now in its twenty-second year and it’s the biggest fundraising event on the Island. This year in May, over 10,500 people took part – including 1993 children – and together they raised a grand total of £229,664.33 for the charity.
Doing a wonderful job for over 30 years
Reuben Loake, a local businessman, compered the evening and commented:
“I’m proud to be here tonight on behalf of Earl Mountbatten Hospice. It’s the only hospice on the Island – and they’ve been doing a wonderful job for over 30 years.”
Awards for walkers from 1 to 81
Trustees and volunteers handed out awards for personal achievements and the winners ranged in age from 1 to 81.
There were several awards for children, including a few who have disabilities.
Nine year old Mia Moors from Ventnor has cerebral palsy and participates in the event every year. This year she walked five miles and was presented with a cup for her magnificent effort. Mia commented:
“It was tiring but fun! I’ll be doing it again next year.”
James Loosemore, 13, from Winford, used his sticks to walk from Sandown to Shide,
“It took most of the day but it was good when I got to the end!”
His sister Christina, 16, also used walking aids and vowed:
“I’ll be there next year.”
Mum Julie added,
“We start first and end last – it took about six hours this year. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve done it now, but each year we go a little bit further. We want to support the Hospice, as you never know what’s round the corner.”
Other award winners included…
Shanklin Church of England Primary School – 54 schools took part from all over the Island, and Shanklin raised more money than any of the others. Head boy Cameron Cooke, 10, and head girl, Ellie Baker, 10, were there to pick up the trophy with their teacher, Liz Westbrook. “I liked Walk the Wight”, said Ellie. “There was lots of running around!”
Ettienne Janus, 17, from Carisbrooke, was given a bunch of yellow flowers and a teddy (who she immediately named Earl). Ettienne collapsed midway through the walk but then continued to the very end.
She explained,
“I had really bad flu, and wasn’t very well, but I wanted to help the Charity.”
Christine Marston, 74, from Bembridge, took home a cup for being the oldest female on the full walk from Bembridge to the Needles (26.5 miles). Christin, who has Walked the Wight for the past 19 years, said,
“I do it to raise money for the Hospice.”
Paff’s Purple Hearts
Lorraine Paffett, 51, from Wroxall, took part in memory of her husband, Trevor, who died a year ago from pancreatic cancer, just three weeks after his diagnosis. She raised money alongside thirty friends and relatives, all wearing T-shirts bearing the name of her team, Paff’s Purple Hearts.
Together they raised £3,000 and picked up an award for the best team effort. Lorraine explained their motivation,
“My husband was only at the Hospice for three days before he died, but they were absolutely fantastic and kept us all going. They’re still in contact with us and it’s helpful for us to know that they’re there if we need them.”
Mike Earley has volunteered for the Hospice for sixteen years, and after giving a cup to one Award winner, he was presented with a cup of his own.
Events Fundraiser, Dani Johnson, explained,
“He doesn’t know the word no, he delivers stuff all over the place, nothing is too much effort… and he brings me Mars Bars!”
Mike, who was one of 250 marshals on the day, modestly said that others deserved this, but added,
“I’m pleased.”
The work of the Hospice
Earl Mountbatten Hospice cares for patients with life-shortening conditions, at the Hospice, and in their own homes. The Hospice provides palliative care, information for families and other essential services. Walk the Wight is the biggest event in their fundraising calendar.
Peter Kingston, who Chairs the Board of Trustees, told the assembled crowd,
“We’re very grateful to everyone who supports us. Without your help we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, to such a really high standard.”
Tina Harris, Chief Executive of Earl Mountbatten Hospice, commented afterwards,
“This was a very special evening – attended by very special people. Every year we need to raise over £2m to keep the Hospice open, and every year, people across the Island help us to do that. We are so grateful to all our supporters, including everyone who walks the Wight. You’re helping people when they need it most, and we think you’re amazing.”
Images:
- Christina Loosemore,16, and her brother James, 13, both winners of Ryde Lions Cups for Personal Achievement.
- Ellie Baker, 10, and Cameron Cooke, 10, head girl and boy at Shanklin C of E Primary School, with the Harris Family Cup, awarded for the most money raised in the Schools Walk the Wight.
- Christine Marston, 74, who won the Martin Holmes Memorial Cup for being the oldest woman on the full walk (26.5 miles).
- Ettienne Janus, 17, who won a special award for her courage after collapsing on the walk – and then continuing to the end.
- Guests at the Hospice’s shop in Lugley Street, Newport, before the Award ceremony.
- Tina Harris, Chief Executive of Earl Mountbatten Hospice
- Mia Moors, 9, from Ventnor, who was presented with the Ventnor Lions cup for her personal achievement by Val Lockwood (both pictured).
Image: © Eileen Long Photography
