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If you were one of the more than 700 people who took part in the 21st Saffery Rotary Walk, in June 2018, then you helped raise £61,000 which has now been shared between 20 different local community projects.
The cheques were handed out in a ceremony at Government House last night, with representatives of the various charities which have benefitted mingling with the organisers and some of the walkers.
The walkers present included His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor himself who completed the 39mile round island challenge with his son. As Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder was busy with official duties on the date of the walk this year, the pair took on the challenge themselves a few days earlier with His Excellency committing to walking the route every year that he is in Guernsey.
His Excellency has also agreed to become the event's Patron. Simon Milsted, Chair of the organising committee said he was delighted last night.
“This year was the 21st round-island walk and every year it seems to get more and more support. We’re thrilled that His Excellency has accepted the position of Patron. He has undertaken to complete the challenge each year he is in office and now he is Patron there can be no better endorsement of the fundraising efforts of all the participants. It’s been another hugely successful walk and we hope this event continues to be embraced for another 21 years.”
Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor and his son, completing the 2018 Saffery Rotary round island walk.
The Saffery Rotary Walk is one of the biggest events on the island calendar, attracting hundreds of entrants each year, who raise thousands of pounds for charity by taking on the challenge.
Last night, the funds raised by the 2018 walk, were presented to the chosen charities at a special presentation evening at Government House, hosted by Richard Harding.
Mr Milsted acknowledged a number of individual walkers in recognition of their specific achievements and cheques were presented to this year’s selected charities by HE Sir Ian Corder.
Among the most notable walkers were eight-year-old Clara Ginnis, who won the award for the youngest walker to complete the route while Charles Denton won the veteran walker award.
Matthew Barrett won the award for the most individual sponsorship raised and the Royal Court relay team took home the award for most money raised by a relay team for the second year in a row.
The Sir Peter Walker Award for Special Achievement, named in memory of the late Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Peter Walker, was presented to Karen Blanchford who was instrumental in opening the walk up to a team from the Guernsey Disability Alliance. The GDA team has now completed the last two Saffery Rotary Walks and plans to take part again in future events.
Emma Atkinson was the winner of the “Saffery Selfie” competition. She took photos of ‘Eddie the Teddy’, who is the mascot for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, completing this year’s walk. Eddie and Ms Atkinson completed four legs of the walk as part of two relay teams.
Pictured: The 'Rezzers' relay team were among many taking part.
Over the walk’s 21 years, 7,000 participants have taken part, and more than £740,000 has been raised in total for local causes.
Mr Milsted said: “The money raised by the walkers this year will make such a difference to so many people. The presentation evening is a highlight of the year when we can hand over all the donations to the 20 charities and know that the money will be going towards helping the island.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into making sure the event runs smoothly for all walkers, volunteers, spectators and the sponsors. I’d like to thank all the dedicated, motivated and inspired people who have made the walk so successful and of course Saffery Champness for their support and continued commitment.”
Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Champness and member of the organising committee, said: “We are extremely proud to sponsor one of Guernsey’s largest annual charity fundraising events. It’s always an inspiring day and it was great to see so many walkers taking on the challenge this year. We look forward to doing it all again next year.”
The next Saffery Rotary Walk takes place Saturday, 15 June 2019 with applications opening soon for charities to apply for funding.
For further information please email info@safferyrotarywalk.com
Pictured top: The presentation evening at Government House.
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