A 12-year-old schoolgirl will tackle the End-to-End walk tomorrow to raise funds for charity.

Emily Orchard, a pupil at Somersfield Academy in Devonshire will walk 24km in the middle-to-end section of the 32nd Axa End-to-End fundraiser.

She said: “I am glad I am participating. I am looking forward to it.”

Emily added: “I am going from the middle to the end this year because it’s my first time.”

She said: “I decided to participate in End-to-End to not only raise money for charity, but to gain service in action points for my school.”

The youngster has already raised $395 in sponsorship, mostly from family members.

The charities to benefit from this year’s walk are Friends of Hospice, the WindReach outdoor centre for the disabled, youth charity Raleigh Bermuda and Age Concern.

Emily will be among thousands of people who will walk, ride, row, paddle, and swim to raise cash for the charities.

Emily said she was happy the money was going to good causes.

Myles Orchard, Emily’s father, said: “Emily is a very socially conscious, independent person and is unlike many girls her age.”

Alexandra Wilberz, co-ordinator of the physiotherapy and medical stations, said organisers were prepared for 2,500 to 3,000 people.

The medical team is made up of physiotherapists, nurses and staff from St John Ambulance.

Hundreds of other volunteers will also be involved in the event.

Ms Wilberz said: “It’s wonderful. This is why we are always coming back and doing it over and over again. People are in such a good mood.

“It’s not just an event for people who are very sporty. It’s an event for the whole family.”

She added: “I’ve never met anybody, and I have been doing this for seven years now, who was in a bad mood even though the journey is long.”

Ms Wilberz recommended walkers avoid wearing new shoes to avoid feet problems.

She advised: “Have footwear you have worn before, have a second pair of socks ... take some sunscreen and reapply it along the journey. Also wear a hat.”

Ms Wilberz added that walkers should carry the water bottle included in the registration kit to avoid the risk of litter.

She said: “We are using the railway trail and we want to make sure we are not leaving anything behind.”

Adam Birch, a volunteer for 30 years, said the day was special.

Mr Birch added: “I like seeing everyone in the community out and about participating. I support everything about the event from raising funds, to getting outside and exercising to seeing the island via the Railway Trail.

“It’s so important for everyone to come together, plus it’s a good day to see the island and slow down and enjoy the views.”

Mr Birch said his role was as a sweeper — a group who bring up the rear of the pack.

He added: “We are at the back of the pack of the last walkers to provide assistance to anyone and to let the water stops and event organisers know where everyone is.”

The 40km walk starts at King’s Square in St George’s at 7am and the middle to end 24km will start at 10am at Albouy’s Point in Hamilton.

Registration for the walk is open until 6pm today. The cost for adults is $50, and $30 for those aged under 18.

• For more information visit, bermudaendtoend.bm