life
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY - ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Walk the Wight
The history...
www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.
T
he event was conceived
during the early Spring
days of 1991. Two bald
old codgers from Morey’s staff,
namely Frank Stevens and the
late Bill Bradley, were out on
one of their frequent early
morning Sunday walks which
they loved so much. As they
were strolling over the Downs
they thought what a good idea
it would be to get together with
a few other employees, friends
and family, to walk from one
end of this beautiful Island to
the other. Their principle aim
was to encourage other like
minded souls to appreciate the
wonderful scenery on their trek
across the Island. This led to
the idea that whilst enjoying
themselves, they could also
raise some money for Island
Charities.
From humble beginnings,
Walk the Wight has now long
since been regarded as the
largest annual fund raising
event on the Island. It started
off raising money for the
Islands own MRI scanner as
an appeal had been launched.
It then raised money both for
the ‘new’ CTI scanner and the
Hospice. Once the scanner
appeal was complete and
because of the large amount of
help and support given by staff
and friends, it was decided
to support the Islands only
Hospice which it continues to
do to this day. Other smaller
charities were allowed to
‘Walk’ and collect sponsorship
on some of the early Walks.
In the early days, there was
no support team, no sponsors,
only Mars Bars and Lucozade
bought at the local shop by
the people walking. As the
years passed and the numbers
participating rapidly increased
from about 25 (the first walk
in 1991) to hundreds and
now thousands, it became
clear that more help would be
needed. Bill was in charge of
‘badgering’ local businesses
to gain support and freebies
where possible of water, cups
etc whereas Frank dealt with
the admin side, including
letters to local businesses etc
and approaching farmers and
landowners for permission to
‘walk’ over their land.
Originally marshalls were
summoned from employees of
Moreys, friends and families.
As the event grew in size, Bill
and Frank along with Julie
Clifton from the Hospice
www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.
10
Island Life - www.isleofwight.net