The 2016 Harbour2Harbour walk, sponsored by the Dandara Group, attracted a record-breaking turnout.

The community event, supported by the award-winning developer for the first time this year, had 319 entrants – the highest number ever.

The sponsored walk on 15th May, from Castletown to Port Erin, was held to raise funds for Southern Community Initiatives, supporting a number of important local community projects, including Men in Sheds, Southern Befrienders and SPort Erin.

The final total is still being calculated, but organisers confirmed more than ?3,300 has already been collected and they are on course to beat last year’s ?3,600 figure.

SCI Project Co-ordinator and walk organiser Janet Bridle said: ‘What an amazing event – our biggest yet! We had fantastic support from the community once again, and were treated to wonderful weather.

‘All the feedback we’ve had has been extremely positive, with everyone enjoying stretching their legs, getting out in the fresh air and sunshine, taking in the stunning views and, of course, doing something positive for the southern community.

‘It was a record-breaking turnout, and with some money still to come in we are confident that last year’s total will have been beaten, making this the most successful Harbour2Harbour Walk so far.’

She added: ‘I would like to thank our brilliant sponsors Dandara, who have helped us all the way through the planning, preparations and event itself. It has been a great partnership, with Dandara getting really involved in making sure the walk was a huge success.

‘I’d also like to thank Rushen Ambulance for the continued support, Southern Nomads for marshalling, Green Mann Spring water for the water tables, the Tap Room in Castletown for opening early and feeding the walkers and the Cosy Nook Cafe in Port Erin for providing grub at the end.

‘Of course, there’s also a massive “thank you” to the volunteers for their brilliant and good-humoured support – they are vital to the success of the event - and all the entrants for supporting the event and helping it grow yet again.’

The fun walk was open to all and followed a route which took the walkers from Castletown harbour along the coastal path to Glen Chass, then on to The Howe before joining St Mary’s Road and finishing at the Cosy Nook in Port Erin.

Money raised through entry fees and sponsorship will help support the work of SCI. Based at Thie Rosien on Castletown Road in Port Erin, SCI is home to several initiatives including community art and creative writing projects, crafts, bridge, board games, yoga, meditation, a thriving social fitness group and the very successful Men in Sheds project. The aim of the Hub is to tackle isolation and loneliness by bringing people together through community projects, as well as promoting volunteering, inclusive communities, and providing a place for socialising and encouraging community collaboration and activities.

Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that this year’s Harbour2Habour Walk attracted a record-breaking number of entrants and looks like raising the largest amount yet.

‘The fact it has proved so popular shows what a great community event it is, bringing people together, as well as tremendous way to raise money for the important work of SCI. We have been deeply impressed by the work of these community initiatives, which provide such a wide range of activities, and the commitment of SCI to tackle isolation and loneliness by bringing people together through thoughtful and well-researched community projects.

‘I’m pleased everyone was treated to such fantastic weather and had such a wonderful time, and would like to join Janet in saying thank you to everyone who took part and helped to raise vital funds to help SCI continue its important work.’

Photographs from the walk are available to view, and buy for ?1 each, from www.manxathletics.com.  

To find out more about SCI visit www.hubclubsci.im. 

Photo - Courtesy of www.manxathletics.com