Entrants who go the distance in this year’s Axa End-to-End walk on May 4 will help to raise funds for four local charities, organisers said yesterday.

WindReach, an outdoor centre for the disabled, Age Concern, Friends of Hospice and Raleigh Bermuda, an adventure organisation for the young, have been selected to benefit from the annual event, which last year raised $150,000 for charity.

Anne Mello, the End-to-End board chairwoman, said the four charities were selected to support a wide range of organisations.

She said: “It is always a near impossible job to decide which charities we support each year as every charity is deserving of help. However, we felt that these four charities help a very broad cross-section of people in Bermuda meaning the money that is raised has a large impact on society.

“The End-to-End is now in its 32nd year and in that time we have raised more than $5.65 million. We cannot thank people enough for their support which has done so much for charities across the island.”

Crissie Kempe, executive director for WindReach, said the funds would be used to create a more accessible main entrance, deck and outdoor space for the charity’s adult day programme.

Robin Sidders, interim executive director of Friends of Hospice, said the charity was delighted to receive the support, which will benefit Agape House.

She said: “This gift will support our many bereavement support services, including raising awareness about the importance of having difficult conversations about death and dying, and provide vital support to our day-to-day activities so we can fulfil our mission of enhancing the quality of life for patients and their loved ones.”

Raleigh Bermuda said it wanted to use its funds to support its overseas expeditions, local training and coaching of young Bermudians.

Tina Nash, the executive director, said: “All of the donated funds will go towards developing the resources needed to support our young Bermudians on their personal quest for self-development, adventure and service work.

“As a registered charity, we sincerely appreciate the incredible support that we receive from our community partners to help us support and encourage our young Bermudians — they are certainly worth it.”

Claudette Fleming, Age Concern’s executive director, said the End-to-End had grown to be a major fundraiser and boosted knowledge of critical social problems.

She added: “As many may already be aware, for the last two years Age Concern has been exploring how to bring a high-quality long-term care model that can be financially sustained in Bermuda. The funds raised by the Axa End-to-End will support Age Concern’s operations as it facilitates the action steps necessary to pilot a new care model in the next 18 to 24 months.

“The 2019, Axa End-to-End will do even more than that, however. As ambassadors of healthy ageing, Age Concern is looking forward to the opportunity to engage our members and volunteers in event activities.”