The Sight Matters Coast 2 Coast Walk received an extraordinary boost this year, thanks to a remarkable donation from local man Ivan Soulsbury.
After reading about the event, Ivan generously pledged £1,000 for every walker who took part, bringing the total donation to an incredible £490,000.
Four-hundred and ninety participants joined 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, which he made to match the efforts of each walker, means this year’s event is a historic success.
Remarkable Ivan
“This kind of generosity is simply remarkable,” said Cathryn Bradley, CEO of Sight Matters.
“Ivan’s unbelievably generous donation will safeguard our essential services for years to come, ensuring that we can continue providing support, social inclusion services and life-changing resources to the visually impaired community on the island – as well as representing their interests in the public sphere. 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 Ivan, thinking back on childhood memories of her, recalls her kindness and generosity.
Such memories are part of what motivated him to give back to the blind and visually impaired community, as his grandmother made a lasting influence on his values of compassion and support.
Sight Matters
The funds from Ivan’s donation will go a long way to safeguarding Sight Matters’ 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 – and will help the charity to continue to expand its services to meet rising costs and increased demand.
Sight Matters extends its deepest thanks to Ivan Soulsbury, as well as each of the 490 walkers, its volunteers, Conister Bank, who sponsored the event, and everyone who made this year’s walk possible.
This year, the Coast 2 Coast will be remembered not only for its community spirit and inclusivity, but for the transformative impact of Ivan’s spectacular generosity.
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