More than 1,700 people ? including 600 students ? defied torrential downpours and high winds to raise a record sum for charity during the End-to-End walk and cycle.

Delighted organiser Anne Mello hailed the spirit of the day. "It was the worst weather we ever had. We had anticipated a drop in numbers but we didn't find it."

She added: "It bucketed down. But in spite of the weather being so atrocious, we had a fantastic day."

So far entry fees and pledge money total $180,000 ? but the final amount should easily exceed that.

Six charities benefited: Bermuda Stroke & Family Support Association, Open Airways, Sunshine League, Age Concern, Crime Stoppers and Riding for the Disabled.

The omens did not look good for the 18th annual event. On Friday, Harbour Radio told Mrs. Mello that the weather was too bad for swimmers, kayakers, rowers, and scuba divers.

"We advised them to join with the walkers," she said.

At 8 a.m. on Saturday, hundreds of sodden walkers lined up to start the walk at King's Square, St. George's.

"The Bermuda long-riders led the walkers off on their motorcycles. Twenty-five of them entered as a team."

The cyclists set off with grim determination at 9 a.m. in a very strong headwind ? but none used the weather as an excuse to back off.

The Middle-to-End walk started from Albouy's Point at 11 a.m.

Mrs. Mello said Bermuda Regiment Band members played until their instruments filled with water as they headed the procession of tireless marchers.

"All the walkers were huddled under the canopy at the Bank of Bermuda building," she said. As they thought the Regiment Band was not going to show up., walkers started to warm up with their own music in the rain. They were just about to set off when we heard drums and there they were. The Bermuda Regiment Band showed up! The walkers just lit up. They thought if they can show up, then we can undertake this 15-mile walk. They marched them down Front Street and set them on their way to Dockyard."

By the time they reached the west end, the sun had come out as a well deserved reward.

A first aid tent was available, although heat exhaustion was not a big problem this year.

Mrs. Mello said the 600 schoolchildren never moaned or grumbled once. "Bermuda should be so proud of them."

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