The TMF Island Walk raised £100,000 for local charities this year, and now organisers are looking for next year’s beneficiaries.
The walk, which was founded in 1991, is an iconic fixture in the Island’s charity challenges and the largest single-day fundraiser. Participants can choose to walk the full 48 miles around Jersey’s coastline or take part in relay teams or the Lieutenant Governor’s walk. TMF sponsors the event, which pays for running costs, while the Trustees and organisers are all volunteers. This ensures all money raised goes direct to local charities.
Charities in Jersey can now apply to benefit from the June 2023 walk. They will need to complete an application form and give a description of the project they’d like supported. Only local charities can apply, with particular consideration being given to projects where a clear and immediate benefit to recipients can be identified.
Tim Houghton, Market Head – Channel Islands, for TMF Group said: “This is a critical time for the Island walk. Ensuring the huge effort that the organisers and the walkers put into this event benefits our local community, requires charities to get their applications in now. There are many challenges in our society at present and we know the Trustees are keen to see applications from a wide range of charitable organisations in order to ensure the money raised has the most impact.”
Over a thousand people took part in the June 2022 TMF Island Walk, with the youngest to complete the full route, Emily Austin at just 15, and the oldest, Ray Hampton aged 78. It’s a physical and mental challenge to complete the full course, with more than half of participants opting for the relay team, or the Lieutenant Governor’s walk, which allows walkers to complete the full course over four years.
This year the main beneficiaries were Age Concern, the JSPCA, and Centre Point.
Six other charities received smaller amounts of money: Durrell, Autism Jersey, Freedom Church, Jersey National park, Trees for Life and Millis. The Scouts, Girl Guides and Rotary Club de la Manche also received some funds in recognition of their help in running the event.
Robert Syvret, Chair of the TMF Island Walk Trustees said: “We are incredibly proud of the Island Walk’s legacy in helping those in Jersey who are less fortunate than ourselves. Nearly £2.7million has been raised by Islanders who have taken on their own personal walking challenge, whether that’s the full course or the shorter distance.
“Every step is an achievement as every penny raised has helped around 180 local charities. The Trustees are looking forward to considering applications for next year and continuing the spirit of the walk.”
The 2023 Island Walk will take place on 17th June. Early bird registrations will open in mid January. Charities have until 14th November to apply to be one of the beneficiaries.
Charities can apply via the TMF Island Walk website.
