Conister Bank Celebrates Coast 2 Coast Walk Success with Unbelievably Generous £490,000 Donation
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Conister Bank Celebrates Coast 2 Coast Walk Success with Unbelievably Generous £490,000 Donation
Conister Bank, proud sponsors of the annual Coast 2 Coast Walk, is thrilled to share the success of this year’s event, which saw an astounding £490,000 donation from local philanthropist Ivan Soulsbury.
After reading about the Coast 2 Coast Walk in the local paper, Ivan generously pledged £1,000 for every participant, resulting in the remarkable donation.
Four hundred and ninety participants joined the 12-mile walk from Douglas to Peel, braving challenging weather to support the Isle of Man’s blind and visually impaired community. Ivan’s pledge to match the efforts of each walker has made this year’s event a historic success, setting a new record for donations raised.
Cathryn Bradley, CEO of Sight Matters, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
"This kind of generosity is simply remarkable. Ivan’s unbelievably generous donation will safeguard our essential services for years to come, ensuring we can continue providing support, social inclusion, and life-changing resources to the visually impaired community on the island. We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for his incredible support, which will make a significant and lasting impact."
Ivan’s personal connection to visual impairment runs deep. His grandmother experienced sight loss, and her compassion and kindness left a lasting mark on him. These memories inspired Ivan to give back to the community, embodying the values of compassion and support she instilled in him.
The funds from Ivan’s donation will go a long way in safeguarding Sight Matters' vital services, ensuring that individuals living with sight loss on the Isle of Man continue to receive the care and resources they need to lead full, fulfilling lives. The donation will also help expand services to meet the rising costs and increasing demand for assistance.
This donation comes at a crucial time. As more people on the Isle of Man face the challenges of sight loss, the demand for services has significantly increased. Ivan’s generosity will help cover the growing costs of delivering these vital services, enabling Sight Matters to continue adapting and meeting the needs of the community.
We extend our deepest thanks to Ivan Soulsbury, the 490 walkers who took part in the Coast 2 Coast Walk, our dedicated volunteers, Conister Bank for sponsoring the event, and everyone who helped make this year’s walk possible. The 2023 Coast 2 Coast Walk will be remembered not only for its community spirit and inclusivity but for the transformative impact of Ivan’s generosity.
To learn more about this year's Coast 2 Coast Walk and Ivan’s incredible donation, read the full article here.
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