By Isle of Wight Observer
I wanted to say how grateful we are to everyone across the Island involved in this year’s Walk the Wight. Our flagship fund-raiser is just a couple of weeks away, and there’s still time to sign up. So if you’re thinking about it, get involved – because you won’t regret it.
As ever, the walk on Sunday, May 12, will be a special and very important day for Mountbatten.
It’s an amazing way to come together as a community to get behind the Island’s only hospice. Thanks to your support and generosity, we are now helping more people who need us, both in our hospice building in Newport and in their homes across the Isle of Wight. Currently, we are supporting around 2,200 people at home on the Island every day, and we have hundreds of people benefitting from a variety of services at the hospice too.
Without your help, we simply would not be able to be there for people on the Island, 24/7.
Nobody should be alone during the most vulnerable time of their lives – our services are essential to our patients and their families, and the funds raised from Walk the Wight enable Mountbatten Isle of Wight to continue to be there for our Island community. Last year, walkers combined to raise a record amount – £460,000 – an extraordinary total from one event.
We must keep the momentum going and do everything we can to ensure Walk the Wight continues to be a success this year and in the future. We can only do that with the help of our wonderful Island community.
There really is something for everyone at Walk the Wight. For those who want a big challenge, the main walk from Bembridge to The Needles, covering 26½ miles and taking in some of the Island’s best views, really is spectacular. Or you can walk either the first or second half of the main walk. For a more gentle challenge, the eight-mile Flat Walk from Sandown to Newport is ideal for families or those who don’t like hills! Whatever works best for you, I’m certain you will feel a great sense of achievement for being part is such an amazing day.
Everything you need to know about Walk the Wight, including free bus services, checkpoints and other ways you can help, are all available on Mountbatten’s website, mountbatten.org.uk.
We are determined to keep meeting the growing demand for our services on the Island, but we can only do that with your support, so I would like to again personally offer my sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude for getting behind this year’s walk.
Our staff and volunteers will be very much part of the day too, either walking or helping out in some way. For those of us who will be working on the day, please know you will be in our thoughts, and we will be spurring you on in spirit. Walk the Wight really brings us all together; it is truly very special.
To sign up on-line for £15 per person, visit mountbatten.org.uk. On-line registration closes at 9am on Thursday, May 9. You can also register on the day for a suggested donation of £20.
If you are unable to walk but would like to volunteer, please contact our fund-raising team by emailing fundraisingiow@mountbatten.org.uk.
Not only do your fund-raising and volunteering efforts support our work, they also inspire us and give us strength. We feel very proud to know our community is by our side.
On behalf of everyone at Mountbatten, thank you.