Despite inclement weather during the 2005 End-to-End event over $220,000 was raised for six local charities and organisers reported a record youth turnout.

Organisers said roughly 1,600 participants turned out for the event which was held on May 7, and 400 volunteers also helped make it a huge success.

The $225,000 raised in pledges will go towards six deserving Charities ? Age Concern, Bermuda Stroke Foundation, Crimestoppers, Open Airways, Sunshine League and Riding for the Disabled.

Mobility?s chief operating officer John Narraway said: ?I am amazed that in spite of the rain that started this year?s event off, it managed to attract over 1,600 participants ? that?s 100 over last year. It?s obvious that the organisers of this event are a dedicated group of professionals who continue to raise this event to the next level, keeping interested and keen on contributing year after year.?

The four top members of the Gold Club 2005 ? Barry McDonald, Heidi DeSilva, Jennifer Brookes and Douglas Frith ? collectively raised almost $10,000 in pledges.

In addition Andrew and Christopher Frith, raised $1,243.50 and $1,223.50, becoming 2005 Youth Gold Club members.

Youth participation was at a record high this year with over 514 young people participating.

Top schools included Warwick Academy with 106 students, Cedarbridge with 68 and Sandy?s Middle School with 67.

Youth participation was sparked in part by the Youth Invasion Award organised by sponsor Bank of Bermuda Foundation.

The award was given to the school with the highest level of student participation and came with a cash donation.

The Foundation also matched the total amount in pledges from the winning youth group for up to $10,000.

According to a Press release: ?In 1998, 55 students raised $7,000. In 2004 over 320 students representing 14 schools raised $28,000. For the 2005 event, over 514 youth participated and raised over $42,000.?

Bank of Bermuda Foundation chairman Dennis Tucker added: ?We are delighted to see such a significant growth in youth participation this year. This event exposes our young people to the positive benefits of team sportsmanship, physical activity and most importantly, giving back to the community. 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.?

Since 1988 the Bermuda End-to-End events have raised and donated over two million dollars to local charities.