Cash windfalls are now winging their way to a host of charities after organisers confirmed that this year?s Bermuda End to End raised more than $200,000.

Painful memories of blisters, tired feet and aching limbs faded fast when it was revealed that a bumper cheque totalling $215,000 would be split between eight good causes.

Bermuda Audubon Society, Knowledge Quest, Pride Bermuda, Project Action, St. John?s Ambulance Brigade, The Family Centre, WindReach Recreational Village and the Women?s Resource Centre will all get a share of the pot.

More than 2,000 people of all ages walked, cycled, sailed or swam parts of the Island on May 6 as the event celebrated its 19th year by cementing its position as one of Bermuda?s major charity fundraisers.

Categories ranged from the headline 40km St. George?s to Dockyard trek, through to a strenuous swim across the harbour from Spanish Point and a 5km fun walk from Somerset.

Ann Mello, chairwoman of the End to End Committee, speaking at yesterday?s awards ceremony at the Bank of Bermuda, said: ?We are very pleased with the total amount of funds raised, the record number of participants and the enthusiasm towards our Bermuda End to End goal of promoting wellness and the charitable spirit in Bermuda.?

Top fundraisers were recognised at yesterday?s ceremony. Outstanding performers included youngsters from Warwick Academy, the school with the most youth participants, who collected more than $6,000 in pledges.

The Island?s schools raised $34,000 in total and David Lang, director of End to End co-sponsors, Bank of Bermuda Foundation, yesterday praised their efforts.

?We congratulate all of the schools, the teachers and the students for their participation and for recognising the importance of supporting this event that benefits our entire community.?

The corporate team award went to Appleby Spurling Hunter, while the business participation award was handed to Bank of Bermuda.

Clyde Julio, one of hundreds of volunteers at the event, picked up the top volunteer honour.

And team ? slowly ? walked away with the inaugural caboose award ... for finishing last.

The biggest individual fundraiser was Dion Tucker who collected $8,710 and was awarded a $750 travel voucher for his efforts. Barry McDonald, Christianne Bosson and Pam Barit Nolan all raised $4,000 and each received $500 tokens.

Plans are already underway for the 20th anniversary of the End to End, due to be held on May 5, 2007.

End To End participants have raised over $2.25 million for Bermuda charities in the last 19 years.

Meanwhile, veteran walker Joan Dismont, who has taken part in every End To End since it started in 1987, is raring to notch up a 20th appearance.

She collected a $250 travel voucher yesterday for helping to raise more than $1,000 in this year?s End to End. When she was asked if she would be putting her best foot forward next year, she replied: ?I want to make that 20.?