Our annual Coast 2 Coast Walk received an extraordinary boost this year, thanks to a remarkable donation from local resident Ivan Soulsbury.

After reading about the Coast 2 Coast in the local paper, Ivan generously pledged £1,000 for every walker who took part, resulting in an incredible total donation of £490,000.

Four hundred and ninety participants joined us on the 12-mile walk from Douglas to Peel, braving less-than-ideal weather to support the Isle of Man's blind and visually impaired community. Ivan’s donation, made to match the efforts of each walker, has made this year’s event a historic success.

"This kind of generosity is simply remarkable,” said our CEO, Cathryn Bradley. “Ivan’s unbelievably generous donation will safeguard our essential services for years to come, ensuring we can continue providing support, social inclusion, and life-changing resources to the visually impaired community on the island. We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for his incredible support, which will make a significant and lasting impact."

Ivan's connection to visual impairment is deeply personal. His grandmother experienced sight loss, and he fondly remembers her kindness and generosity. These memories inspired him to give back to our community, as his grandmother’s influence shaped his values of compassion and support.

The funds from Ivan’s donation will go a long way in safeguarding our vital services, ensuring that those living with sight loss on the Isle of Man continue to receive the support they need to live full and satisfying lives. His contribution will also help us expand our services to meet rising costs and increased demand.

This donation comes at a critical time for us. As more people on the Isle of Man face the challenges of sight loss, we have seen a significant increase in those seeking our assistance. Ivan's generosity will help us cover the growing costs of delivering these vital services, allowing us to continue meeting the needs of our community while adapting to increasing pressures.

We extend our deepest thanks to Ivan Soulsbury, the 490 walkers who took part in the Coast 2 Coast Walk, our dedicated volunteers, Conister Bank for sponsoring the event, and everyone who helped make this year’s walk possible. This year’s Coast 2 Coast will be remembered not only for its community spirit and inclusivity but for the transformative impact of Ivan's generosity.