It’s time to get those walking shoes ready, as registration opens for the Island’s iconic fundraising event, Walk the Wight.
Mountbatten’s flagship fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday May 14. It is thought to be the largest walking event of its kind in Europe.
Every year, the effort raises hundreds of thousands of pounds. This is to help Mountbatten deliver expert care and support to those who need it most.
Increasing costs
The charity’s CEO Nigel Hartley says that, given the current climate, support for the event is needed more than ever before.
“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% increase in demand over the next 18 months,” he said.
As an independent charity, Mountbatten relies on the generosity of the Island community to fundraise over £10 million every year.
A single-entry fee of £10 has been introduced for all walkers, in response to increasing costs and to simplify registration.
Nigel explained: “While entry fees help to cover the cost of organising the event, it’s the fundraising efforts that make the real difference to the Islanders we support, so we ask walkers to raise as much as possible in sponsorship”.
Mountbatten has also announced special incentives for top fundraisers, with walkers who raise more than £500 (Silver Award) or £1000 (Gold Award) by April 14 receiving a special keepsake and an invite into the hospice for a VIP Walk the Wight reception ahead of the event.
Jo Chipperfield walked the Wight in 2022, raising over £4,000, in memory of her “beautiful, brave and courageous mum” who earlier that year was moved to the hospice where she received the best of care. Jo and her family will be walking again in 2023 to help do the same for others.
* To register for Walk the Wight 2023, head to mountbatten.org.uk.
It’s time to get those walking shoes ready, as registration opens for the Island’s iconic fundraising event, Walk the Wight.