Children’s charity CHICKS’ courageous supporters swerved downpours and conquered muddy paths to complete the charity’s second Cornish Coast Path Walk of 2019 and raise vital funds for young people living in difficult circumstances in the UK to attend a free week-long respite break.

The walk took place last weekend and raised more than £3,500.

2019 marks the first time the charity’s flagship Cornish event has taken place twice in one year, following overwhelming demand for the original walk back in May.

The route covered nearly 25 miles of Cornish coastline, starting in East Portholland on the Roseland Peninsula and ending in the village of Par, near CHICKS’ Coastal Retreat in Tywardreath.

CHICKS regional fundraiser Mick Ryan, who has organised the Cornish Coast Path Walk every year since its inception, said after the event: “We were extremely lucky with the weather over the weekend for our walk. However, the conditions underfoot were the worst we’ve experienced in the eight years since I started the event, because of the recent rain we’ve had! All the walkers should be very proud of themselves and we’re on course to raise £4,000.”

Walkers were also treated to a stay at the CHICKS Coastal Retreat, including an evening meal on Saturday and cooked breakfasts on both mornings.

Mick added: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who walked the route, Dave Rendle for being the support vehicle driver, Jan and our team of volunteers who cooked the evening meal, and the many organisations who gave us various donations including money, food and free parking.”

The team of 16 walkers is hoping to raise over £4,000 in online and offline donations.

Every pound raised will enable the UK’s most vulnerable and deprived children and young people to spend a week having adventures, making memories and finding their confidence on a week-long respite break at CHICKS.

You can help the walkers to reach their target by contributing to their online campaign at the following link: http://everydayhero.co.uk/event/October-coastal-path-walk-2019.

The CHICKS Cornish Coast Path Walk will return for its ninth year in May 2020. Keep an eye out for announcements on the CHICKS website, www.chicks.org.uk, or email mick@chicks.org.uk to register your interest.