SINCE the annual fundraiser began in 2003 more than £1m has been raised by people walking the Test Way.
The Rotary Club of Romsey Test hosted its 19th annual fundraiser ‘Walk the Test Way’ on Sunday, September 25 raising more than £1m since it began in 2003.
More than 350 people took part in this year’s walk, raising money for charities such as Cancer Research, Baby Necessities, Mind, Rose Road Association and Ukrainian residents in Mariupol.
So far Romsey Rotary has received sponsorship funds surpassing £19,000 which will continue to rise before the final figure is announced before Christmas. In 2021, 304 people “virtually” walked the Test Way and helped raise £46,000 for 71 charities.
Each year the fundraiser attracts a number of groups, families and individuals to take on the challenge around one of the best rated walks in the area.
Sandra Smith from Clearvision said: “We had a fantastic time taking part in the Walk the Test Way event. As supporters of the amazing Honeypot Children’s Charity, we wanted to help raise some much needed funds to help young carers access their wonderful facilities.
"As we are located in Romsey, this was the perfect event to take part in and so far we have raised over £1,200. The team walked eight miles and were fortunate to have beautiful weather and some great scenery to keep them going."
Walker David Yell, from Southampton, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was made more enjoyable by the lovely marshals along the way. A great way to raise money for my chosen charity, Mind”
A spokesperson for the Rose Road Association said “Thank you so much to all of our amazing walkers who took on the Rotary in Romsey Walk the Test Way. Combined they covered an incredible 300 miles for disabled children and young people. We hope you all have your feet up right now.”
Dentaid said: “Thank you to all the volunteers who organised the walk. It was a great day and we hope lots of money was raised for all the charities involved. See you next year.”
Six members from Romsey Men’s Shed (RMS) took part on Sunday, with members Alan Chivers and Tony Rugg walking the full 25 miles.
The men’s self-help group, that works on practical projects to improve the community, took part in the walk to raise money for Countess Mountbatten Hospice.
RMS chairman Malcolm Kaill said: “We chose to support the hospice because one of our well-loved members spent his final days there a couple of years ago and the care was great. RMS has been supporting Countess Mountbatten Hospice by making craft items for sale in their Romsey shop which has raised more than £1500.
“The walk was lots of fun, everyone was really friendly and there was a big welcome when we arrived at the Memorial Park.”
The community charity has nearly met its £1,000 target for the walk.
The walk caters for a range abilities with a choice of five distances: 5, 8, 11, 16 or 25.5 miles, covering the Test Way from St Marybourne to Mottisfont and Romsey. Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 which will go towards their chosen charity.
Kerry Daley from the Rotary Club said: “We were so excited to be launching the walk again this year. Covid put a stop to it for the last two years so to have people walking again was truly amazing.”
The Rotary Club looks after walkers all day, transporting participants to their starting locations. As well as marshals, signs, toilets and water stations along the way, this year the annual fundraiser was helped by Hampshire Fire & Medical Services who provided medical cover.
For more go to walkthetestway.org.uk/home.
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