End-to-End Stalwarts Offer inspiration to Others

With the Bermuda End-to-End coming up on May 1, some of us may be fumbling for excuses as to why we're "not ready" for the big event. We haven't trained hard enough; we haven't got the right shoes; or we're simply too busy. ­Below are the stories of two Bermudian families who, rain or shine, have supported the event since its inception and are urging people to support the charities involved - no ­excuses writes the Bermuda Sun.

The Dismonts could easily be called the First Family of the Catlin End-to-End.

Their involvement with the fundraising event first started when matriarch Joan Dismont, 80, walked the very first End-to-End event back in 1988.

Today, as she approaches her 23rd walk, she's still ­going strong, and has now got the whole family ­involved, including her children, grandchildren, sisters-in-law and family friends.

"I do the walk because I like walking and I enjoy helping others - especially charities," Joan said. "I feel that Bermudians have been blessed with so much, we have to do our part and give help where and when it is needed."

But Joan's not just a walker; she is also a serious donation machine. Joan was the top earner for the event for 15 years and throughout her life has raised close to $50,000 for the organization.

"I am looking forward to doing the End-to-End walk hopefully one more time and probably the Middle-to-End after that," she ­explained.

This year she will be joined again by her eldest daughter Michelle, who herself has completed the End-to-End 15 times.

Also this year she will be accompanied by her 16-year-old grandson Enrique, and 12-year-old granddaughter, Eva, who have both completed the ­distance on several occasions.

Her daughter-in-law Martha and daughter Kari help out by transporting Joan to St. George's for the start and are always in Dockyard to welcome her at the finish line.

Also, for the last 13 years Joan has helped the various charities highlighted during Bermuda End-to-End by hosting a special fundraising dinner party at her home.

About 24 friends and family members attend year after year and each of their $50 donations gives them a fun night of games, prizes and wonderful food.

Special plaque

In 2007 Joan was ­honoured with a special 20th Anniversary plaque in recognition of her contribution to Bermuda End-to-End.

Joan said: "I always look forward to taking part in the annual End-to-End Charity Walk...I call it my 'baby'!

"It fills my heart with joy just knowing I'm doing a very good thing by helping others."

While Thelma Trott does not pound 24 miles worth of pavement each year for the event like Joan Dismont, she plays an extremely ­important role each year.

During the first years of the event, when the walk ended in St. George's, she helped by greeting the walkers and handing out certificates at the finish.

Then, once the walk ­began in St. George's, she switched to registering the walkers at the start - along with other employees of J&H.

"After a few years, I was asked to be the J&H representative on the committee," she explained. "One of the ideas I had was to count the money collected on the day of the walk.

"Since it was my idea, I was put in charge of ­gathering a team to count the money."

This is when she invited her daughter, Marie, her sister Alayna Tucker and her sister-in-law Cora Tota Tucker to help her count the money raised on the day.

Every year the family ­arrives in St. George's at 7am to help out with ­administration work and does the same thing in Hamilton at 10am before catching the 1pm ferry to Dockyard to help wherever needed and "just enjoy the camaraderie".  

When her daughter went off to college, she brought her son Ralph and his friend Justin Lowe along to help. Her sister Andrea Tucker also has helped out at the end of the walk for many years in various ­capacities.

"It is so important to ­participate in this event as it has helped a lot of different organizations over the years and each organization truly deserves the help," Ms Tucker said.

"Helping others also ­allows you to feel as though you can make a difference.

"Events like this allow charities to complete large projects which may not happen every year."

Funds raised in Bermuda End-to-End 2010 will ­support the Adult Education Centre, Alzheimer's Family Support Group, Bermuda School of Music, Chewstick Foundation, The Family Centre, Greenrock, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, The Reading Clinic, Sandys 360 Foundation, and ­Windreach.

There will be entertainment at the Royal Naval Dockyard from 1:30pm to 4:30pm featuring live ­music. 

Special bus services will run from Hamilton Bus Terminal to St. George's at 7am for $5. 

A 9am ferry will be available from Hamilton to St. George's, at the price of $15 per person, and bicycles are permitted.

Free ferries are available from Dockyard to Hamilton if you show your event number.

For more information or to sign up go to: www.bermudaendtoend.bm.