Mrs. Mandy Dakin

Footsteps 4 Good, the water wading, swimming, walking, running, biking, kayaking and rowing island-hopping charitable event hosted under the patronage of Mrs. Mandy Dakin, wife of His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin, is set to take place beginning October 21st, 2022.

Footsteps4Good is a 224-mile circumnavigation of the beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands over 13 days, touching 24 islands and cays.

The charitable event was started by Jill Beckingham, wife of previous governor, Peter Beckingham. Mandy Dakin told The SUN after meeting Jill in 2019, she promised to restart the venture but with an ambitious twist.

“After meeting Jill in 2019, I promised to restart the venture but with an ambitious twist. John Galleymore #OneTCI, a seasoned explorer of the Turks and Caicos Islands who has a wealth of experience and adventures walking, rowing, and camping throughout the islands, mapped a challenging route to allow everyone and anyone to participate in this fantastic opportunity to do as much or little as they wish. The trip covers the full length of the Caicos Islands: Providenciales through to North, Middle, East and South Caicos, then crossing to Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and finally completing the circle back to Providenciales via Sand, Ambergris, French Cays, and West Caicos,” she said.

Community walks will be taking place on all of the family islands and persons are asked to come out in full force.

Mandy Dakin said she is so excited to host this year’s event, adding that it could not be done without the help of all of their partners.

“I am really excited and without the help of our partners the Provo Roadrunners, the Red Cross and Interhealth Canada it would not be so easy. So many people have made this event possible. The district commissioners on every island have been tirelessly organising, sponsors have come forward to help with every aspect of the event and of course our police and ambulance service are always on standby to keep us safe. I can’t wait to get going and see how many adults and children will join us on our walk and row through the islands and remember you can do as much or as little as you wish,” she added.

“However, I know what is coming and I know it is going to be gruelling. I remember the blisters on my feet, on my hands and the hours of walking in sand and heat and the sea not always playing ball as we tried to row from island to island. Whilst those memories play out in my mind I do remember the amazing community spirit and support, the opportunity to see nature in all its glory from the sun rising to the sun setting and that is unforgettable. Myself, John Galleymore and Sharon Weil Hornstien will walk the islands being supported along the way by the communities.”

Asked why it is so important to host an event such as this, Dakin said she believes that charity starts at home, and it is important to put others less fortunate, first.

“So if you can spare $1 to help that’s a good thing. We also live in the most beautiful and diverse group of islands where nature is abundant and so many of us have never experienced more than one or two of the islands. It is an opportunity to highlight our, history and environment.”

Dakin said not everyone is a marathon runner, but everyone knows how to walk and that’s a start.

“The event builds on community spirit. United we are all stronger and can achieve amazing results. Not everyone is a marathon runner, but everyone knows how to walk. What could be better, raising money for our favourite charities whilst improving our health and fitness.”

Dakin said last year through everyone’s generosity they managed to raise $47,000 and this year they want to smash that total.

“Entry is $20 to the over 18’s and includes a t-shirt (whilst stocks last), If you prefer to make a donation try the Isle Help App and find Footsteps 4 Good any large donations email fs4gevent@gmail.com and find out how,” she said.

Footsteps 4 Good aims to raise much-needed funds for over 30 local charities focused on the vulnerable and hungry; chronic illness; youth development and empowerment; environment, heritage, special needs and animal welfare.

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By Todeline Defralien, SUN TCI News Reporter, Monday, Oct 17, 2022