Ryde Shops Join Forces To Raise Funds For Brown Bears With Barefoot Walk

A trio of Ryde shops have joined forces to raise money to aid two brown bears' planned relocation to the Isle of Wight from Azerbaijan.

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Yaverland has been raising funds to allow the rescue of the bears.

It has seen a myriad of individuals and organisations holding events - including the three Union Street stores.

Tina from Bellissima, Jayne from No 66 Cards and Gifts, and Sheila from Sugar & Spice Lingerie came up with the idea of a Barefoot Walk.

Sunday September September 29 saw more than two dozen people head from the Wildheart Sanctuary on their fundraising walk.

With faces painted by Team Unicorn, children in buggies, dogs and some walkers in fancy dress, the group trekked to the Salix Café at Small Hope Beach for refreshments in Shanklin, before returning back to Yaverland.

Despite the inclement weather, the walk was completed and money raised from the walk, donations at the Salix Cafe and donations on route - a total of £616.

Tina Lettington of Bellissima said:

“Thanks to everyone that turned out and all those that came together in support of the event.

"We are so pleased to have contributed ourselves to the Bear appeal”