Record-breaking Dorset Walk raises more than £180,000 as 575 participants take on TMWF's toughest challenge yet
More than 575 students, teachers, families and volunteers came together for The Malcolm Whales Foundation's annual Dorset Walk. They completed one of the UK's most demanding coastal walking challenges, covering 40 miles of the Jurassic Coast over 3 days. In doing so their combined efforts have managed to raise an estimated £180,000 for families impacted by cancer.
Now in its eighteenth year, the three day event welcomed participants from Ely College, Swavesey Village College, Arthur Mellows Village College, Ken Stimpson Academy, Hampton Gardens School, Thomas Deacon Academy, Prince William School, Ramsey Abbey and Manor Drive Secondary Academy, alongside family walkers, adult participants and a dedicated team of volunteers. Attendance reached its highest ever level, growing from around 500 people in 2025 to approximately 575 this year.
This year's walk presented an additional challenge, with another heatwave, temperatures approaching 30°C throughout the weekend. To ensure participants remained safe, organisers shortened parts of the route, increased hydration stops and brought departure times forward to make the most of the cooler morning hours.
Despite the extreme conditions, participants completed three days of walking across Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, tackling famous landmarks including Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge, Durlston Country Park and Studland, while demonstrating remarkable resilience, teamwork and determination.
Founder Damien Whales praised everyone involved.
"The attitudes of the participants were simply outstanding. Seemingly the harder the challenge, the more people seem to rise to it. Throughout the weekend we saw young people supporting each other, overcoming obstacles and discovering they were capable of far more than they believed."
He added: "The Dorset Walk is about so much more than fundraising. It gives young people purpose, confidence and memories that stay with them for the rest of their lives. By the end of the weekend they know they have achieved something extraordinary, while raising vital funds to support others facing some of life's toughest challenges."
The event also highlighted the extraordinary commitment of the teachers and volunteers who support participants throughout the weekend, working from before sunrise until late into the evening to ensure every walker completed the challenge safely.
As well as the physical challenge, the weekend included evening activities, a presentation ceremony recognising returning walkers, and the Foundation's annual toast in memory of Malcolm Whales, whose legacy continues to inspire thousands of young people through the charity's work. This year also included turning the campsite into a Fan Zone and watching England’s victory over Norway, seeing them proceed into the World Cup semi-finals.
The estimated £180,000 raised will help The Malcolm Whales Foundation continue its work supporting children, young people and families impacted by cancer through initiatives including Malcolm's Retreat, the creation of The Malcolm Whales Centre, a planned wellbeing and treatment hub, and the development of a Family Support and Wellbeing Fund, which will support families facing treatment or a recent diagnosis.Reflecting on the weekend,
Damien Whales said: "Every year I'm reminded why this event has such an impact. If you've experienced Dorset, you understand. If you haven't, you can only try to imagine. It's challenging, exhausting and incredibly rewarding, and every single person who takes part helps make a real difference."
With another record-breaking year complete, attention now turns to the 2027 Dorset Walk, taking place from 8th to 12th July, where hundreds more young people will have the opportunity to challenge themselves while raising funds to support children and families.
Anybody wishing to contact the charity or find more information, can do so through [email protected] or via our website www.tmwf.co.uk.