Radio Solent 'Shout'

JustGiving Link

Don't Panic! JustGiving are doing some updates to their site over the weekend and the site (and the opportunity to donate!) should be back soon.

Hi everyone,

I have finally worked out how to use the site!!! I would like to thank you all (especially Mark and Tanya who had to walk several miles more over the 4 days ) for helping me get to the finish each day, I could not have done it without you. This has been a great experience and I totally agree with Andy with this being the hardest challenge I have ever undertaken. I look forward to the next walking challenge Mark comes up with!!

Thank you all for making it a great trip, I will have great memories for a long time, I am glad I was asked to take part.

An Ode to the Wight Way Round Walkers

The team of five are still alive - they made it Wight Way Round!
They met at Gracechurch House with Tanya nowhere to be found….
They prepared themselves with lots of training, even when it was raining!
They found it very hilly and started to debate whether the idea was silly.
Mars Bars, Ice Creams and Crisps kept them going.
When it reached the evening champagne and beers began to start flowing!
Ashley, Tanya, Jane, Mark and Andy were grateful for donations
After all it was for the bank's charity; The British Heart Foundation
And we can’t forget Grassroots (were they flattened by their boots?)
They also had a share, to help them provide good care.

by Alice Jewer

Thanks Alice - have you see the picture I took just for you?

Massive thanks to Mark

Having returned home, (had a soak in a hot bath, peeled off my socks and set the smoke alarm off when I got my 24 used socks out of the case) I'm feeling pretty tired. But uplifted too.
I will doubtless write much more, when I've recovered, but want to record big respect and thanks to Mark for inspiring us all to such an achievement - definitely the toughest physical challenge I've ever done - and to have raised a load of money for two great charities feels awesome. Thank you too to Tanya, Jane and Ash for your support and great company - I have many great memories of our adventure, and a big thank you to Kathy and Margaret our support team - the fourth emergency service!! Andy. PS: Can't believe it, 151000 steps!!

We did it!

A fantastic final day push saw the team complete the Wightwayround. 11 miles in just over 3 hours saw us make it for the 1.30pm ferry. An hour on the ferry now ....... Not sure if anyone will be able to stand after that! Despite the blisters, aches and pains a fantastic sense of achievement for everyone. Looking forward to a long bath and putting our feet up!

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Last check point

Quarr abbey for a quick stop. Just 6 miles to go. Can we make it for the 1.30pm ferry!
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Day 4

Ready for the off ..... It's all down hill from here ......... If only!
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The sun has got its hat on......

Hip hip hip hooray!



Breakfast at the farm now before heading off for the last time. Over night blister count is 14 with some doubles reported! Seaview to East Cowes......a short stroll of just 11 miles. Arrival in Southampton likely to be 2.30pm. Get the champagne on ice!

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End of day 3

Arrived in seaview. 23 miles today. Still 11 to do tomorrow. Do the maths......that makes 76 in total. And I thought the isle of wight was falling into the sea! Some very sore feet and tired legs tonight. Blister count expected to be high. Weather has been kind .....only one shower.....and a glorious sunny end to the day.
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Mud

One for Phil!
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Top of culver

Heavy rain so HAD to take shelter in the pub. Suitably refreshed the team are heading off towards bembridge. 9 miles left today.
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Culver down ahead

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Dodging the showers

14 miles in to the walk and now heading for culver down .... The last big climb of the day
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Ventnor

6 miles so far today
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St catherines point

We've reached the southern tip of the island. 2 sides down 2 to go!
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Support team

Here they are ......... Ready for the off on day 3
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Rain

Over night rain has not dampened the spirits of the team. The sun is shining this morning and we are hoping to avoid the thunder storms forecast for later today. Another 22 miles+ today. The blister count is 10 ..... A close run competition with bonkers tonkers bringing up the rear with a poor nil return! Hitting the sandy beaches along the south east coast later. Shame we won't have time for a dip ..... May be just a blistered toe in the water!
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Who measured the route?

We are at blackgang ........having walked almost 24 miles today. We had planned 23 but are still 2 miles short of niton. We will make up the miles tomorrow. Back to base now to count the blisters!
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Cracking up

No ....not the team ...just the isle of wight coastal path!
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And down again

The team have now stopped for lunch in freshwater bay. Still no rain but a strong head wind making the walking difficult. About 12 miles left today. Some sore feet and tired legs. Competition to see who will have the most blisters by the end of the day!
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Tennyson down

At the top
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And after the ice cream!

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Alum bay

First ice cream stop. 24 miles completed.
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Breakfast

The team are up and ready to go. A few blisters reported and some aching legs so the hills and coastal paths ahead today will present a real challenge. Weather overcast but no rain ...........yet!
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At the pub

Jane and Ash after the steak night at the Fighting Cocks.
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Day 1 completed

Just arrived in yarmouth. all ok. Looking forward to steak night at the pub! 18 miles today. 23 tomorrow..
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They're off!

The team earlier today at Cowes. Just completed the first 10 miles and now heading for Yarmouth.
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Missed the boat

Tanya missed the ferry but didn't take long to catch is up!
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The time has come for the talking to stop.....

Nearly six months since the plan was conceived and here we are, on the eve of our epic adventure to walk around the Isle of Wight. Tomorrow at noon our 5 intrepid team members will set foot on the Island and set of to walk the first stage from East Cowes to Yarmouth. Saturday, and stage 2, takes us from Yarmouth around to the southern tip of the Island at Niton. Stage 3 on Sunday sees us walking from Niton to the North East coast at Ryde and then on Monday morning just a short hop (or crawl!) from Ryde to East Cowes to catch the ferry back.

Be in no doubt, this will be a challenge. Most guides suggest walking the route in 6 - 7 days. We will be doing it in just 3. We will walk as a team - all 5 will set out to walk every single one of the 70 miles.

We have been generously supported by many people - some online - but most on sponsor forms. We are very close to our target of £2000 but every penny counts so if you are able to help out please go to out Just Giving page and sponsor us now.

We will attempt to keep this blog updated throughout the weekend so watch this space for news.

Thanks.

Mark Price, Jane Wright, Andy Tonkin, Tanya Lane, Ashley James61
The Wightwayround Team

2 days to go and still smiling!

Just checking the weather forecast and it looks like rain.
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The Wrong Trousers!

Will it be longs or shorts? Temperatures for Saturday and Sunday forecast to be no more than 13 degrees and a strong possibility of 'real' rain for the first time in over a month. Choice of trouser could be crucial!!

The potential adverse weather conditions will make the walk even more of a challenge - all the more reason for anyone who hasn't sponsored us to click the link on the right now and pledge support through our JustGiving page. Thanks.