This year’s instalment of a charity walk along the Dorset coast has been hailed as an “incredible success.”

Ely Standard: The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity.The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)

The Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk saw over 160 walkers – including dozens from Ely – trek 40 miles from Weymouth to Studland over three days last month.

The annual hike is expected to have raised £20,000, which will be donated to a number of children’s charities. It has now raised over £130,000 over its nine year history.

Damien Whales founded the charity in memory of his father, Malcolm, who died after a battle with bowel cancer in 2008.

Ely Standard: The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity.The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)

“The walk was an incredible success,” Damien said.

“We had 160 participants – our largest amount ever – and we’re hoping to raise £20,000 this year for children’s cancer.

“Next year is our tenth anniversary and we have a couple of things planned. We hope to break £150,000.”

Ely Standard: The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity.The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)

• For more information, visit www.malcolmwhales.co.uk.

Ely Standard: The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity.The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity.The annual Malcolm Whales Foundation Dorset Walk raised £20,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)