Pubs to get lifesaving equipment after marathon challenge

This was part of the third ‘Carry on Beating’ campaign that challenged walkers to take an 18-mile beach trip from West Bay to Portland, along Chesil Beach and the coast path.

The walk, which took place on Sunday, June 2, raised money for new defibrillators to be installed in The Park Hotel and the Weatherbury Hotel in Weymouth.

Rick Cleverley, a taxi driver from Weymouth who is behind the fundraiser, was awarded a community award by the town's mayor last year. He said: “Our carry-on beating events have highlighted the need for defibrillators in the community. The more we have, the more equipped we are to save lives.”

Rick taking on the challenge (Image: Rick Cleverly)

Rick described the walk as a huge challenge but the eight walkers were praised for their discipline. The 18-mile walk eventually turned into a 25-mile walk because of the diversions and summits.

Read more: Carry on Beating 2 campaign to put new defibs in Weymouth

“People enjoyed it, but those people went through hell to get to the finish line,” he said about the walk.

“It was a physical and mental challenge, so we all had to push each other because this was not a race. It was all about completion.”

Some walkers completed the journey in three hours, and others took a little longer.

Carry on Beating walkers (Image: Rick Cleverly)

Money raised in previous fundraisers has already increased funds for new defibrillators in The Waterloo and The Veterans Hub, among other destinations.

The second fundraiser launched last Autumn and raised £600 for venues which say they need defibrillators.

Fundraising is being conducted in person rather than online, with money buckets left in the Weatherbury Pub and other local bars during and after fundraising events. Ten per cent of bar profits from these events go to Carry on Beating.

Rick and his fellow volunteers will host another fundraiser this Friday evening (June 7) at the Weatherbury with darts and a live performance from Circus of Thieves.

Read more: 'We are like a family now' - Man saved by pub manager and taxi driver

Any money left over after buying the defibrillators will go to a local charity - which will be decided upon later.

Carry on Beating is already sponsored by Weyline Taxis and Isle of Sark, but is constantly searching for new ways to spread the word.

Rick said he has directly asked for council support, but the true heroes have been local businesses and bands.

Work on the fourth Carry on Beating fundraiser is currently underway, and Rick hopes the money can be raised to turn the initiative into an officially registered charity.