Isle of Wight golfers have raised vital funds for local arts and wellbeing charity, Independent Arts.
Saturday (June 24) saw serial fundraisers and members of Freshwater Bay Golf Club, Steve Orchard and Paul Swain, undertake their annual fundraising challenge for the golf clubs nominated charity.
The pair walked 35 miles over 14 hours to fundraise for island arts for the charity.
Beginning their route at 5am from Freshwater Bay Golf Club, the pair, joined by club captain Gary Dobson, who accompanied the first 10-mile leg of the walk, headed towards Independent Arts Creative Hub for their first stop of the morning.
They had already plotted their route between five of the charities Sing About venues across the Isle of Wight.
Motivated by funds already raised, nearly £1,000 pledged before even making a start on their hike, the pair continued toward Bembridge, followed by Ryde, East Cowes, and finishing in Cowes, up steep hills in increasing heat throughout the day.
On completion of their challenge, the fundraisers received a heroes welcome on their arrival to an evening reception kindly hosted by Freshwater Bay Golf Club, as they were cheered into the clubhouse for a well deserved drink, meal, dancing, and more fundraising.
Reflecting on their 2023 fundraising challenge, Steve said:
“Fundraising for Independent Arts was a pleasure! The day could not have gone better, and it was great knowing support was there when needed along the route.
"I think Paul and I have managed to stay pain free since finishing our walk, the dancing was a good warm down exercise!”
So far, the event has raised just over £1,400 thanks to the generosity of their friends, family, and fellow golf club members.
Independent Arts Fundraiser, Ralph Ridler, added:
“It was great to support Steve and Paul in their fundraising efforts, and witness the infectious enthusiasm with which they undertook their challenge
on Saturday.
"As a small charity supporting residents across the island, we are hugely grateful to both Freshwater Bay Golf Club for supporting us as their charity of the year, and to Steve and Paul for raising such a fantastic amount to help Independent Arts keep changing lives through arts.”
Donations to Independent Arts and support Steve and Paul’s efforts can be made online.
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