Dorset Walk 2017
On 13th July of this year 165 participants smashed all records for The Malcolm Whales Foundation. A combination of 100 + secondary students, post 16 students, a team from RAF Wyton and other willing participants concurred over 40 miles along the South West Coast Path.
The Foundation is a charity founded by Damien Whales following the death of his father from Bowel cancer in 2008. The charity raises money to support children and families affected by cancer.
The 165 walkers this year, represents the most participants ever taking part in the walk by a more than a third. The fundraising this year alone is now starting to approach £25,000, making the 9 year total somewhere in the region of £135,000.
The walk along the Jurassic coastline represents a seriously tough physical challenge, whilst at the same time offering some of the most spectacular views this country has to offer. Each year the walk sets off from Weymouth seafront and by Sunday evening we are ready for the sprint finish along Studland beach. Having passed Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and having climbed thousands of feet of coastal cliff paths the team’s sense of achievement and comradery is spin tingling. The blisters and sore feet providing an altogether different set of emotions. For many this is their first taste of charity fundraising on this scale and for most it represents their most significant physical challenge.
The money raised goes to support a number of different charity partners including: Edgars Gift, Climbing Out and The Harry Johnson Trust. We ensure that every pound raised goes directly to individuals to make a difference to their lives.
This year feels like a bit of a watershed moment, the numbers have increased and there was an increase in families and other adult participants. We are beginning to really impact as a charity and our sights are firmly set on bigger and better next year. We are always looking for more participants, donations, interaction on social media, basically more..!
Perhaps most significantly we are looking for more worthy causes to support.
To contact us please find us on Facebook @TheMalcolmWhalesFoundation Twitter @MalcolmWhales or via www.malcolmwhales.co.uk
This year’s walk was our biggest and best, what we achieve in one weekend a year lives long in the memories of those participating. It is staggering the amounts we are now raising and when you consider where that money goes and how that impacts on people’s lives, the walk has become an extremely significant annual event, something that leaves everyone involved brimming with pride!
Damien Whales
TMWF Chairman
