which took place on April 30.

But organisers Mr. Jon Borrill and Mr. Paul Rowlerson are still hoping to break the $100,000 mark. And they urged walkers yesterday to make an extra effort to collect any outstanding pledges by lunchtime today in time for a cheque presentation this evening.

"This has been a record year for us both in terms for the amount of money raised and the number of walkers that participated in the End to End Walk this year.'' Now in it's seventh year, the walk has raised a total of $520,000 for local charities since its organisers first thought up the idea after walking off a heavy lunch one day.

Mr. Borrill and Mr. Rowlerson said there were a number of reasons for the event's success.

"Firstly, Bermuda lends itself to walking, especially along the railway tracks but also more walkers are attracted to the event since walking has become such a popular low-impact sport,'' said Mr. Rowlerson.

"People seem to enjoy the camaraderie they experience on the walk and come back year after year. And all sorts of people take part, young, old, big, small or round,'' added Mr. Borrill. "And we think people like to support the charities we've chosen because they know what they do and can relate to the problems they deal with in the community.'' Four charities, PRIDE, the Alan Vincent Smith Foundation, Hope Homes and the Pembroke Community Skating Rink will receive an equal share of the proceeds of this year's walk.

Executive director of Hope Homes, Mrs. Ellen Douglas, said the the donation would be "extremely well appreciated''.

All walkers, helpers and supporters of the walk are invited to the presentation at Victoria Park today at 5.30 p.m. And every walker who returned pledges will be eligible to take part in a draw. Winners could receive overseas travel vouchers, hotel stays, dinners or jewellry.

Miss Bermuda Islands, Miss Kellie Hall, will also be making an appearance at the presentation.