Saffery Rotary Walk (Saturday 8 June 2024)

As ever, the Island looks forward to this, one of the island’s most popular charity fundraisers. But this year the recent run of sunny weather brought out record numbers with 1,210 people taking part either the main Walk and the side events that make the 39 mile marathon available to all in part or whole.

The primary Walkers gathered at the Guernsey Information Centre, ready to set off at 4.30am, and most ended their walk back at the final checkpoint 39 miles later at the Liberation Monument, which was open until 10.00pm to welcome the last four walkers across the line. Others joined the walk as individuals or members of relay teams at checkpoints along the way.

Saffery Trust Director, Lisa Vizia, said: “The turnout for this year’s Walk was incredible. An array of local walkers joined us, as well as walkers from further afield.

“We are so proud to see this event grow evermore inclusive year upon year so  walkers of all types and abilities can truly embraced the challenge.”

Lisa continued: “The weather conditions were ideal our walkers and the coastline looked a spectacular as ever, helping to keep morale high. It was a very special day for all involved.”

Walk chairman, Simon Milsted, shared: “One of our goals this year was to attract back to pre-pandemic levels the number of walkers from further afield. We certainly achieved that with walkers arriving throughout the week from the UK, South Africa, Hungary and Denmark especially to take part.”

Simon continued: “We must say a huge thank you to our amazing team of volunteers and corporate sponsors. Without you, the Walk could not have flourished into the major event that it has become."

(Most of both Rotary Clubs membership were involved, together with Inner Wheel members, volunteering during the day, acting as van drivers for the bag relay, manning checkpoints or attending to the 1001 other tasks that underpin staging such a massive event as this).

“A huge thanks also to our event sponsor, Saffery Trust, who continue to generously donate their time and essential funding to the Walk, ensuring that every penny raised by our walkers will benefit this year’s 21 chosen charities.

“And a final reminder to our walkers. Please collect your sponsorship money through your Sports Giving page or follow the instructions on your paper sponsorship forms. Record numbers had a wonderful experience. Now let’s translate that into record help for our Island’s charities.”

The amount of money raised from the Walk will be confirmed over the coming weeks, but organisers are hopeful that this year’s Walk will be yet another record-breaking year.