A Calbourne schoolgirl and her dad have done their bit to support Mountbatten hospice by undertaking their own version of Walk the Wight.
Ella White, eight, was one of thousands left dismayed by the cancellation of Mountbatten’s annual fundraising walk due to the coronavirus outbreak.
But Shalfleet CE Primary pupil Ella and her dad Alan, with the support of their family, have undertaken the equivalent of the full 26-mile Walk the Wight by completing laps of the field at the bottom of their garden.
Alan works for Island Roads and his colleagues eagerly chipped in to sponsor the pair’s efforts. Island Roads then match-funded the money raised meaning over £760 will be handed over to Mountbatten as a result of Ella and Alan’s walk.
Ella said: “I had registered to do the Schools Walk the Wight 2020 Challenge with my friends back in February, to raise money to help Mountbatten help the sick on the island.
“When lockdown started, I was disappointed that the walk wasn’t going to happen. However, I decided that I would still do what I could to raise money.
“With the help of my Dad I measured the field at the bottom of our garden and I worked out that if we walked around it 60 times, we could complete the full ‘Walk the Wight 26 Mile Challenge’, the furthest I have ever walked.
“My Mum, Dad, brother Noah and dog Ness have helped me walk laps every day throughout April which has enabled me to keep fit, enjoy the sunshine, stay safe and raise money.”
Proud dad Alan said: “We have all been really impressed by Ella’s determination to raise money for such a good cause.
“Work colleagues and Island Roads itself have been really generous in supporting us so we would all like to say a huge thanks for the fantastic donations received.”
Dani Johnson, community fundraiser at Mountbatten, said: “We are thrilled to hear about Ella and her Dad’s fantastic effort. She will of course receive a medal to mark her contribution and we look forward to seeing her complete the schools walk next year.”
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