Rotary celebrates another hugely successful Saffery Rotary Walk

The Rotary Club of Guernsey joined fellow organisers, sponsors, volunteers and representatives of sixteen Bailiwick charities at Government House on Thursday 8 October to celebrate another successful Saffery Rotary Walk.

More than £100,000 was raised through this year's event, with funds distributed at a reception hosted by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell KBE CB. Sir Richard himself is an Honorary Rotarian in Rotary Guernsey as well as a strong supporter of the Walk.

Despite challenging weather, more than 1,000 walkers took part in June, tackling the full 39-mile route, joining relay teams or participating in the Family Walk.

Walk Chairman and Rotarian Simon Milsted praised the determination and good humour of everyone involved:

"We threw everything at those walkers this year - wind, rain and a diverted route. Nobody turned round. People were laughing about it at the checkpoints, sharing out dry socks, waiting for each other. That is the Walk in a nutshell, and I have never been prouder of a turnout."

Rotary in action

The Saffery Rotary Walk is organised by the Rotary Guernsey and Rotary Guernesiais with the Walk's lead sponsor Saffery Trust. Their generous sponsorship covers the costs of staging the event, ensuring that every penny raised by walkers goes towards supporting good causes across the Bailiwick.

For Rotary members, the Walk involves much more than the day itself. Months of planning and preparation go into organising the event, from coordinating the route and checkpoints to recruiting volunteers and making sure everything is in place for the walkers. On Walk day, Rotarians work alongside other volunteers, helping at checkpoints, supporting walkers and ensuring the event runs smoothly.

It is also a great example of Rotary working in partnership with the wider community. Members of both clubs contribute their time and experience, while local businesses, organisations and many volunteers help bring everything together. The result is an event that not only raises substantial funds for local causes but also brings people together from across the Bailiwick.

Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Trust, reflected on the importance of the event:

"Supporting the Saffery Rotary Walk is one of the most meaningful things we do, and this year proved exactly why. It is not just about the fundraising. It is about the hundreds of people who turned up at half past four in the morning in less than favourable conditions and got on with it anyway."

The evening also recognised the achievements of individual walkers and teams, with a number of awards presented.

Our thanks go to everyone who walked, volunteered, sponsored or supported this year's event. Together, you've helped make a real difference to our local community.

The 2027 Saffery Rotary Walk takes place on Saturday 12 June.

Find out more about the Saffery Rotary Walk