Local Insurer To ‘Walk the Wight’ To Raise Vital Funds For Mountbatten Hospice

More than half a dozen members of staff from a local insurer will trek the length of the Isle of Wight to raise funds for a cause close to their heart.

A total of 16 team members from NFU Mutual New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth are taking on ‘Walk the Wight’ to help raise funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

The annual event celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and will see the team head 26 miles from east to west, finishing at the iconic Needles, on Sunday, May 11. Some members will be doing the first or last 13 miles, depending on age and fitness.

It is not the first time NFU Mutual New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth has supported Mountbatten, with its Agency Giving Fund donation of more than £6,000 last year helping stock vital equipment and services to those who need it most.

John Heather, Senior Agent at NFU Mutual Isle of Wight, said:

“We have always looked to support the Hospice wherever we can and Walk the Wight seemed like the perfect opportunity to do this.

“A team of ours undertook a similar walk for the Oakhaven Hospice in the New Forest last year and we love getting together and enjoying the wonderful areas we are so lucky to work in.

“We have talked about doing this one for some time, and we have finally put our money where our mouth is and signed up.

“Having nominated Mountbatten for our Agency Giving Fund donation last year, it was a privilege to visit the hospice and learn how that donation would be utilised. We hope to raise as much money as we can this time around to benefit them.”

Walk the Wight is the largest event of its kind, in Europe, and includes routes for all walking types, from flat to hills and short to long. In 2024, the event raised £560,000.

Mountbatten provide essential services on the island, supporting patients and families in their most difficult time, caring for more than 2,300 people per day in their hospices or homes.

To donate to NFU Mutual’s fundraiser, visit https://theearlmountbattenhospice.enthuse.com/pf/nfu-mutual-new-forest-isle-of-wight-bournemouth