We launched our flagship campaign nearly 12 months ago, and since then hundreds of you have kindly joined in by donating, fundraising, or sharing your stories using hashtag #EveryMileMatters. On World Health Day, here’s a look back at what we’ve achieved together so far for the health and wellbeing of the Trail’s communities.
With some lockdown restrictions easing today, we wanted to take a moment to shine a light on our most dedicated group of community fundraisers, Plymouth Coastal Runners (PCR), who’ve proven they are as agile in responding to change as they are on the Trail! In this guest blog, their founder Luke Elliott tells us how they adapted their monthly Strava time-trial to keep virtually challenging their runners and raising money throughout lockdown in a covid-safe way, using the power of social media. Since 2016, PCR members have raised nearly £3,000 to support the South West Coast Path Association’s work protecting and championing the National Trail that they love, we are extremely grateful for their unwavering support.
As winter storms return to our shores, we’re reminded the climate crisis hasn’t gone away, and that access to natural landscapes like those of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) are possibly more at threat than ever before.
Over 12 months, a Mile Maker Business simply donates or fundraises the amount it costs on average to look after one of the 630 Coast Path miles each year – £1,400. That’s less than £120 per month to raise together as a team however you like – it could be through staff fundraising, a percentage of product sales or an end-of-year corporate donation – its your choice!
Fundraiser and professional walk-leader from Cornwall, Stephanie Boon, knows that Trails can’t live on love alone. Here she tells us why she is so keen to give something back to the SWCPA and how you can join her on her 10 mile hikes:
In 2019, on Just Giving alone, there were over 500 fundraising pages created for challenges on the Path, which collectively raised over £700,000 in aid of various causes.
The South West Coast Path 