WIRRAL COASTAL WALK 2011: Countdown begins to 25th annual walk

Feb 23 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

IT BEGAN with 100 walkers, some children and two dogs.

But the Wirral Coastal Walk will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year as one of the biggest charity events in the region.

With spring just around the corner, the countdown is on to this year’s walk on Sunday, May 22.

The Rotary Club of North Wirral has organised the event since its inception and Unilever is sponsoring this year’s Coastal Walk for the 13th successive year.

The Rotary Club’s Jim Costello said: “We are extremely proud of the Walk, which has provided the opportunity for many local charities and organisations to raise much needed funds.”

The late David Perrin came up with the idea for a community project which would enable charitable organisations and individuals to raise money for the good cause of their choice.

After some research he decided the walk should go from Seacombe Ferry, via New Brighton, Meols, Hoylake and West Kirby to the Wirral Way, finishing at Thurstaston Country Park.

Walkers have raised millions of pounds for good causes over the years and last summer around 5,500 people took part in the 15-mile walk from Seacombe to Thurstaston.

This year the registration fee for walkers will be £4 (£1 for walkers aged 10 and under).

Those who cannot complete the 15 miles have the option of stopping at 4 miles or 9 miles this year. Mr Costello added: “We estimate that the walkers have raised in excess of £3.5million”.

Sponsorship forms are available from VCA Wirral at 224 Liscard Road Wallasey CH44 5TN. Call 203 2111 or e-mail coastalwalk@vcawirral.org.uk

WIRRAL News is proud to support the Wirral Coastal Walk and we want to feature as many walkers and good causes as possible over the next two months.

Tell us why you’re taking part – perhaps you’re paying tribute to a family member or friend or walking for a charity that's close to your heart. 

And if you want to walk but are unsure which good cause to support, we’ll be speaking to charities about how your sponsorship money can benefit them.

E-mail lorna.hughes@ liverpool.com or call 239 5907.