May 24, 2005
More than 80 walkers take part in Burnham to Brean sponsored walk

More than 80 Burnham people braved thunder and heavy rain to raise money for cancer charity Scope by taking part in a 15 mile sponsored walk from Burnham-On-Sea to Brean this week.

Entrants lined up besides Burnham pier in bright sunshine at the start of the walk (pictured above) before setting off for Brean Down.

The popular event, now in its second year, raises funds for charity by encouraging entrants to fill out sponsorship forms.

Organiser Mike Barsby told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Going out was wonderful - the weather was great - but on the way back it was a bit of a wash-out. Some people gave up and others came back along the road where there was more shelter during the downpours."

Ellis Francis won the event by walking from Burnham to Brean Down Gates in one hour 20 minutes. John Barsby and his friend Josh Beck were joint second, completing the walk in 1 hour 25 minutes. Organiser Mike Barsbsy completed the event just five minutes behind.

Ice creams and well-deserved refreshments were served to the participants at Brean, while later in the day 40 entrants gathered at The Ritz Cinema to receive their certificates of completion - while others went home for a hot bath!

Approximately £1,000 is expected to have been raised from the walk, but the final figure won't be known for another week.