History
The 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 realised that the walk had outgrown being able to be managed by themselves. It was then that a committee was formed within the Hospice, to manage all aspects of the walk and the valuable services of the Rotary club were enlisted to run the marshalling. HF Holidays and IW Radio have also kindly come on board as sponsors in latter years, along with the original sponsor Moreys.
Before Bill Bradley’s death in 1999, at age 65, it was his dream that 2000 walkers would Walk the Wight in the year 2000. This was surpassed and the numbers continue to grow each year. By 2006, 5200 walkers took part raising over £200,000.
