Over 9,500 people took part in Walk the Wight 2026 with Mountbatten Isle of Wight on Sunday, 10 May — among them Islanders, visitors from as far afield as Germany and the USA, and one couple who ended the day celebrating a life-changing surprise.

Supported by headline sponsors Red Funnel and the Isle of Wight Festival, early overall fundraising income shows an incredible £522,426 has already been raised — an increase of 18 per cent on the total at the same point last year — with more money still to be paid in over the coming weeks. The Schools Walk, supported by Rouse Limited, has also seen record-breaking momentum, raising over £53,000 to date (compared to £46,000 at the same point in 2025 and £30,000 in 2024). 

Main photo above by Stephanie Mackrill.

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Above: Taking on Tennyson at Walk the Wight 2026. Photo by: Ricky Ashanollah

Below: Half way there! Walkers at the Carisbrooke checkpoint at Walk the Wight 2026. Photo by: Rahel Skeet

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Among the many memorable moments from the day was a surprise proposal along the route. NHS laboratory associate practitioner Sam Cheek, 31, proposed to third-year student nurse Aleksandra Kraus, 30, during the walk.

Sam chose the event for his proposal as it is where the couple first met three years ago, after sharing a lunch break at Carisbrooke Castle.

Sam said, “Walk the Wight is where we met, so I wanted to propose in exactly the same place. I’d been planning it since last summer — even asking Aleksandra’s parents for permission — so it was really special to finally do it on the day.”

Aleksandra said: “I was completely shocked — I turned around and he was on one knee and I just said, ‘What are you doing?’ It took me a while to process it, but it was beautiful. It means so much because this is where we met, and we come back to Walk the Wight every year — it’s our thing.”

She added: “Hospice care is such important work. I volunteered in a hospice when I was younger, and it’s always stayed with me. Supporting care at the end of life — and helping people live as well as possible — means a lot to me. Our engagement being part of Walk the Wight makes it even more special.”

Above: Sam Cheek proposes to Aleksandra Kraus at Walk the Wight 2026

Below: Sam and Aleks celebrate their engagement on the full route from Bembridge to Alum Bay.

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This week, Walk the Wight Your Way continues, as people unable to join us on the day continue to rack up the miles, including in Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s rehabilitation gym, at the John Cheverton Centre in Newport. 

‘A privilege’ 

Mountbatten CEO, Becky McGregor, said: “It was a privilege to Walk the Wight with you this year — my first as CEO and the first time I have walked in full, despite many years of walking parts of it, and volunteering.  

“I was blown away by the inspirational stories shared with me along the way. It was truly humbling to hear about remembrance and beating adversity, and of taking on a challenge. It was also amazing to meet the scores of volunteers who make Walk the Wight happen. 

“I cannot overstate how important Walk the Wight is to Mountbatten Isle of Wight as our largest fundraising event of the year. Every year, it unites both Islanders and visitors and everyone at Mountbatten is so very grateful. Thank you.” 

Above: Carisbrooke Primary students taking part in Schools Walk the Wight 2026. Photo by: Jennifer Stone

Below: A young walker with their Schools Walk the Wight 2026 medal. Photo by: Jennifer Stone

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Walk the Wight event lead, Ash Gibbs, said: “Walk the Wight is a challenge, but one that unites and inspires. Since the day it was first created, by Frank Stevens and Bill Bradley, it has been about team building and making amazing memories. 

“This year was no exception, and with the Schools Walk the Wight already breaking records and the Main Walk’s fundraising total being so incredible, with more money still to come in, this will be one that we remember for a long time to come!”   

Elaine Harris, Bill’s daughter and a member of Mountbatten’s Care at Home Team, said: “It is amazing to see people turning out for Walk the Wight. Something that started out so small has become such an important date in the Island’s — and Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s — year. 

“Whether you came from near or far to Walk the Wight, thank you!”  

Above: Participants on the flat walk with their Walk the Wight 2026 medals. Photo by: Francis Javier

Below: The rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits! A group of happy walkers on Tennyson Down at Walk the Wight 2026. Photo by: Stephanie Mackrill

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How to pay in your fundraising and pre-register for Walk the Wight 2027!

To pay in your fundraising or to donate to Walk the Wight 2026:

Click HERE to donate or pay in your Walk the Wight 2026 fundraising

Walk the Wight 2027 will take place on Sunday, 9 May 2027. 

Be among the first to register your interest:

Click HERE to register your interest in Walk the Wight 2027

Pre-registered walkers will be offered 10% discount on their sign-up fee when registration officially opens in January 2027. 

In the meantime, why not join our Walk the Wight Facebook group:

Click HERE to join our Walk the Wight Facebook group