By Isle of Wight Observer
Scores of walkers set off yesterday (Thursday) to tackle the Island coastal path, in memory of Islander, Roy Denham, and raise money for Mountbatten.
The Island Coastal Charity Walk challenge began at The Painter’s Arms, in Cowes. Over four days, the group will cover around 65 miles. Their route took them from Cowes to Totland yesterday, followed by Totland to Blackgang today, Blackgang to Bembridge tomorrow, and finally Bembridge back to Cowes on Sunday.
Organiser, Fred White, Roy’s best friend, explained the inspiration behind the challenge. “I’ve known Roy from a young age;” he said, “we lived together in the ’80s. We played football, we partied, and we ran two half-marathons together. He was a great guy, and he would have loved this walk; he was always up for a challenge.
“I’ve always wanted to walk the coastal path. A dozen or so of us are hoping to complete the full route. It’s going to be tough but also a lot of fun. Hopefully my knee holds out!”
Roy was cared for by Mountbatten IW after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. To honour his memory, the walkers began their journey wearing Mountbatten’s signature sunflower yellow.