AROUND 1,000 people will walk, cycle and paddle their way from one end of the island to the other tomorrow in a huge fundraising effort.

And among those taking part in the End to End Walk will be the man who founded the event 15 years ago, Jon Borrill, who has flown in from England to take part.

Anne Mello, head of the organising committee, said kayaking had been included in the annual event for the first time. And for those who felt the full 22 miles from St. George's to Dockyard was too much, Mid to End routes were on offer to both walkers and cyclists.

The event has mushroomed since Mr. Borrill first dreamt it up when out on a walk with friends Paul Rowlerson and Clive Cotton in the mid-1980s.

"We had the idea that it would be great to walk the whole length of the Railway Trail," said Mr. Borrill. "The idea then progressed and we thought we should involve other people and raise some money for charity.

"The first time we did it, we got about 100 walkers and raised something like $40,000 for charity. It was such a success we decided to do it the following year."

Mr. Borrill left Bermuda in 1994, but takes great pride in the way the End to End Walk has flourished and raised hundreds of thousands for needy causes over the years.

"It's given me enormous satisfaction to see how it has continued," said Mr. Borrill. "I understand the walk has raised just over $1 million for charity. I never dreamed it would get this big. I'd say this has been one of the proudest achievements of my life."

Walkers can turn up at the start tomorrow in St. George's Town Square and sign up for the long trek to Dockyard (start time 8 a.m.), or go to Albuoy's Point to do the Mid to End walk (11 a.m. start).

There will be 12 water stops and numerous helpers along the route, including marshals, medics and police.

The Mid to End cycle ride starts from Church Bay, Southampton, at 9 a.m. There will also be an Itsy Bitsy Walk for youngsters around Dockyard, starting at 12 noon.

No kayakers can sign up tomorrow. Their route will take them from St. George's to Dockyard via The Cut.

Participants can take advantage of a free ferry ride from Dockyard to Hamilton after the event. And to get them to east end for the start there will be a bus leaving Hamilton for St. George's at 6.30 a.m., fare $3.