On July 12th around 1000 students and staff will take part in the Island’s biggest charity walk. The Ballakermeen High School Memorial Walk takes place every two years. Students collect donations from supporters of the school and all the money is given to local charities. Previous walks have raised between ?16 000 and ?18 000. The first walk took place in 2001 to commemorate the life and contribution to education in the Isle of Man of Vida Wilson, Head of Lower School, who had died following a battle against cancer. Since then it has become a regular event remembering students and staff who have died, and raising money in their names. Recent losses make this year’s walk particularly poignant. Adrienne Burnett, Headteacher said: ‘We remember with gratitude the contribution made by students and staff who have died, some in tragic circumstances. This occasion helps us to recall their memory and to continue to show our appreciation of their work within the school, as well as the life of the Isle of Man. This year we are especially aware of the sadness of young lives cut short and determined to do something positive as a mark of respect.’ The walk is a whole school event including students, support staff teachers, parents and friends of the school. The walk goes by way of the Quay and Marine Drive to Port Soderick. There is then a lunch and rest break. The walk returns inland, following footpaths finishing near the Power Station. The Parish Walk attracts more starters, but the Memorial Walk will have many more who complete the course! Paul Kane, Assistant Headteacher who organises the walk said: ‘This is a very special day for the school. It means a lot of extra work for all concerned, but people are glad to do their bit because of the reason for the walk and the support it allows us to give to charities. As a school we enjoy a great deal of support from the community; this event gives us the chance to give something back, through donations to charities.’ Once the final totals have been calculated each of the school’s five houses will decide on the charity they want to support with the money raised. After the last walk the school was able to make donations of between ?1 000 and ?2 000 to several groups. Also a special contingency fund allows the school to react quickly to sudden emergencies. Charities who would like to be considered for a donation should send a brief submission to Mr Kane at Ballakermeen High School. - Ends -