Local charities have reaped a surprise bonus from this year’s donations from the Bermuda End-to-End event.

Four good causes were expected to get $30,000 each from the annual walk — but the figure was boosted to $45,000 apiece because of the high level of support.

This year’s charities were WindReach, an outdoor centre for the disabled; Age Concern; Friends of Hospice; and young people’s development organisation Raleigh Bermuda.

The charities were given their cheques at a presentation ceremony at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

The total raised for charity by the End-to-End over 32 years now stands at almost $6m.

Anne Mello, the chairwoman of the Axa End-to-End, said planning had already started for the 33rd End-to-End next year.

She added: “I am so happy to be able to donate this extra money and I cannot thank those who took part as well as our extremely kind and generous sponsors.”

Ms Mello thanked title sponsor Axa XL, an insurance giant, platinum sponsor Deloitte, a professional services firm, and gold sponsors eMoo Online, a sister company of The Royal Gazette, and the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Patrick Tannock, the president of Axa XL’s philanthropic arm, the XL Foundation, said: “As the title sponsor of the End-to-End for more than a decade, we are extremely pleased to see that this monumental fundraising event has stood the test of time in bringing together every sector of our community to benefit those most in need.”

Anna Burns, a partner at Deloitte, added: “It provides Deloitte Bermuda with the opportunity to collaborate with those of remarkable passion and ability to raise funds each year for worthy local charities and in doing so, making an impact that matters to our society as a whole.”

Michael Grier, the commercial director at BP Media, which runs eMoo, said: “eMoo is thrilled with the fundraising success of this year’s End-to-End.

“As an organisation that serves the Bermuda community, we’re proud to support such a great initiative that benefits our fellow residents.

“Our eMoo mascot, Emma, had a wonderful time cheering and congratulating event participants and is honoured to have won the End-to-End Team Spirit Award.”

Mr Grier added: “We look forward to supporting again in 2020 and hope that more sponsors will join us.”

Tim Morrison, general manager at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, said the resort was “delighted that the End-to-End has raised such an incredible amount of money for four vital charities”.