The South West Coast Path Association is delighted to announce that it has more than doubled the original target of securing £250,000 to improve the South West Coast Path, reaching an astounding total of £640,000.
This means that over 130 improvement projects have been completed along the South West Coast Path from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of many tourism businesses and sponsorship from nearly 1000 walkers.
Throughout April and the beginning of May, the South West Coast Path Association held a 40th anniversary celebratory event – the Great South West Walk – to raise money for improvements to the South West Coast Path.
The event consisted of 56 relay walks, along the north and south coasts in tandem, covering 630 miles of the South West Coast Path with the aim of raising £250,000 for 90 improvement projects through sponsorship and the release of match-funding provided by the South West Coast Path Team which oversees the maintenance of the Coast Path.
However, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of various companies and sponsorship from nearly 1000 walkers to help unlock this funding, a total of £640,000 has been raised, meaning that 130 projects will be completed by the end of 2013.
Ken Carter chairman of the Great South West Walk project team is thrilled:
“Everyone involved is overwhelmed at the final amount raised as well as the number of individuals, local businesses and organisations who have been involved. We are thrilled to have more than doubled our original target, enabling our partners at the South West Coast Path Team to exceed the number of improvement projects that were planned.”
Sally Cannon, a walker from Cornwall who completed 9 of the 56 legs of the Great South West Walk, commented:
“The Great South West Walk was such a rewarding event. I thoroughly enjoyed the walks I went on and congratulate everyone on such a well organised and successful event. It is great to look back on those happy days walking along our lovely coast and meeting lots of interesting people.”
Parkdean is one of the generous businesses that sponsored a number of projects, improving sections all along the South West Coast Path.
Stephen Griffiths, Regional Director of Parkdean said: “We were really proud to be involved in the Great South West Walk and the projects it has supported since. We are pleased that we have been able to help improve the Coast Path for locals and visitors to the South West to enjoy.”
Ken added: “With such a successful result under our belt for 2013, watch this space for some exciting news for the Coast Path in early 2014!”
For more information or to become a member of the South West Coast Path Association, please visit www.southwestcoastpath.org
