A fundraising walk along the Jurassic Coast, organised by Bournemouth-based McCarthy Stone, has raised over £50,000 to support local grassroots charities assisting older people.

The event saw 89 employees of the retirement community developer take on the challenge, raising £23,905 in donations, which was matched by McCarthy Stone and boosted by Gift Aid, bringing the total to £52,251.

The funds will go to the McCarthy Stone Foundation, an independent charity supporting initiatives aimed at combating loneliness and social isolation among people over 65.

This year’s challenge set a new record for the Foundation, surpassing the original fundraising target of £12,000.

Participants embarked on a gruelling trek, with half covering 48km from Weymouth to Swanage, while the rest joined them for the remaining 29km from Lulworth Cove.

The route featured stunning landmarks like Durdle Door and Kimmeridge Bay, with walkers ascending a total of 1,517m – higher than Ben Nevis.

Julia Laister, Foundation Coordinator, praised the efforts of the participants: “Walking the coastline is tough at the best of times, but to do this on a hot summer’s day while raising record amounts of money for charity, generously backed by the McCarthy Stone Group, was even more impressive.”

McCarthy Stone’s Chief Operating Officer, Shane Paull, also participated and expressed his pride in the team’s commitment: “The level of tenacity and commitment shown by our team to raise vital funds towards improving the wellbeing and happiness of older people in society has been incredible.”

Since its launch in December 2020, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has supported over 400 grassroots charities, funding initiatives such as dementia support groups and community luncheons.

The Foundation plans to award approximately £400,000 in 2024 to continue its mission.

• https://mccarthystonefoundation.org/