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Charity fundraisers are gathering in Cowes today (Sunday) to take part in the town's annual pram race.
The event involves competitors in fancy dress completing a circuit through Cowes, stopping on the way to collect money from members of the public.
So far the event's raised more than £200,000.
The pram race is held in memory of Dorrie Simmons a local lady who died of cancer.
In 1979 the regulars of the now defunct Britannia public house wanted to raise money for the Macmillan nurses on the Island who gave the family great support during trying times.
Originally it was a race from “The Brit,” out of town via the Royal Standard, on to Northwood calling at The Travellers Joy and finishing in Porchfield at the Sportsman’s Rest.
Now, more of a pram push, it has taken on a more carnival type of atmosphere with the “course” being shortened over the years. This will be the 32nd year it has been run and has now become part of the Island calendar with a great deal of support from entrants, spectators, clubs, pubs, hospitals, local people and holiday makers.
Up to the present time it has raised over £210,000 via collection tins and sponsorship from friends and families for the Dorrie Simmons Memorial Foundation. The greatest amount raised was in 1984 when £14,000 was raised by sponsorship and £2,500 collected on the day.
The difficulty in finding prams has not daunted previous entries: deckchairs on wheels, dustbins, oil drums and a mini chassis - so long as it can be pushed.
The event gets under from 11:30am in Cowes.
More details can be found by clicking here.
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