'24 Walk another record breaker

Sunday 08 September 2024

More people took part in this year's Saffery Rotary Walk than ever before - between them raising a record amount of money for local good causes too.

On Saturday 8 June 2024, more than 1,100 people took part by walking all of or part of Guernsey's coastline.

Now that all of the sponsorship money donated has been counted, it's been confirmed that more than £90,000 is being shared between 21 local charities.

Walk Chairman, Simon Milsted announced the impressive figures at the annual presentation evening - held earlier this month - hosted by His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE at Government House.

“The level of support we have received from our walkers is nothing short of amazing and the record-breaking number of registrations this year is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved," said Mr Milsted.

"Everyone’s efforts allow us to make such a large contribution to so many of the island’s hard-working charities.

“We continue to see the amount of sponsorship raised climb. In addition to facilitating distribution of funds raised, our annual presentation evening provides an opportunity to celebrate this and thank everyone who makes the Walk possible. Our regular army of volunteers and corporate sponsors are truly wonderful and are reflected in the special award given to Richard Bichard who has worked alongside us for so many years.”

His Excellency used his speech to highlight the importance of the island's charitable sector while praising the large contribution and pivotal role the Walk continues to play in assisting so many well-deserving and hard-pressed charities. Something echoed by Saffery Trust Director, Lisa Vizia.

"Giving back to the community in such a meaningful way is what the Saffery Rotary Walk is all about, and this presentation evening is not just about celebrating the funds raised, but also about acknowledging the incredible effort and dedication of everyone involved in making the Walk a huge success," she said.

“The monumental difference made to so many charities throughout the lifetime of the Walk as well as the continued efforts and generosity of our walkers and those sponsoring them is incredible and worthy of celebration.

“On behalf of the Saffery Rotary Walk Committee, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to His Excellency, Mrs Cripwell and the staff of Government House for their hospitality and continued support of the event.”

The Walkers

Standout walkers were invited to the presentation evening on Tuesday at Government House. They received special awards in recognition of their individual efforts.

Each of the charities named as a beneficiary of this year's Saffery Rotary Walk was also invited to attend the presentation evening so they could receive their share of the funds, presented by His Excellency.

Among the individuals receiving awards were the youngest and oldest walkers as well as the winners of the prize draw, the selfie competition and the walker who raised the most sponsorship. Other awards were also handed out on the night too including to a notable volunteer. 

Harry Wallace was the Youngest Walker again this year, having completed it three years running at just 8, 9, and now 10 years old. Mike Pitcher was 2024's Oldest Walker.

Anastasia Hardwick was named the 'Saffery Selfie winner' while Andy Baker was 2024's Prize Draw Winner- his name selected from all the walkers who raised over £200.

Justin Taylor received the award for most sponsorship raised by an individual. 

8-year-old team captain Ella Wright received an award on behalf of her fellow school mates who travelled over from the UK in June raising the most sponsorship as a single relay team.

The Peter Walker Award for Endeavour was given this year to long-term volunteer, Richard Bichard, who has been a key volunteer each year since the very first walk 27 years ago.

Pictured top: The 2024 Saffery Rotary Walk organisers, beneficiaries, and award winners at the presentation evening at Government House hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.