You can walk alongside participants of all ages and abilities at a community event this spring.

Organisers of the 2019 Harbour2Harbour Walk are introducing ’walking buddies’ for participants who’d prefer to have some company during the event.

Southern Community Initiatives project co-ordinator and walk organiser Janet Bridle said: ’The idea is that we want to encourage those people that would love to do the walk but are shy about doing it on their own.

’It always takes courage to join anything especially big organised events and many of us are put off. Our three walking buddy volunteers will be there on the day in their distinct bibs to gather people together in a group so they can meet and greet and get to know each other a bit.

’They will then set off together but each volunteer will take into account their buddies’ speeds and may then split into a fast, medium and slower group as the walk progresses.

’We already have good numbers signed up and hopefully this will encourage more of those who want to walk but are shy about doing it on their own.’

The event, which is now in its sixth year and raises funds for three great local charities; Southern Community Initiatives (SCI), Men in Sheds and SPort Erin, will take place on Sunday, May 19, and for the fourth consecutive year is once again being sponsored by housebuilder Dandara.

Based at The Hub - Thie Rosien in Castletown Road, Port Erin - SCI is home to several initiatives including community art and creative writing projects, crafts, friendly bridge and board games, meditation, a thriving social fitness group and the very successful Men in Sheds project.

Dandara marketing manager Angela Beresford said: ’At Dandara, we are all looking forward to this year’s walk and having the chance to buddy up with others.

’Taking into account different walking speeds is a wonderful idea and really reflects the ethos of SCI and The Hub in helping people in the community come together to make friends and share skills in a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment.

’We have been delighted to see record-breaking numbers take part in recent years. It started out as very much a southern event but with much effort it has grown to include walkers, families and individuals from all over the island, which is really great to see.’

The aim of the Hub is to tackle isolation and loneliness by bringing people together through community projects, as well as promoting volunteering, inclusive communities, and providing a place for socialising and encouraging community collaboration and activities.

The 2019 walk will start at the former Marine Biological Centre in Port Erin and finish in Castletown Square. For those who prefer a shorter, flatter route, there’s a second start from Port St Mary Harbour to Castletown, which covers about six miles.

Last year’s event saw a record 616 people participating in the fun walk raising more than £6,000 for the beneficiary charities.

To register online, visit: http://my6.raceresult.com/114202. Hard copy application forms are also available in Shoprite stores and post offices.