Step by Step walk

Following the success of last year, the second annual ‘Step by Step’ Walk, hosted in partnership with the Saffery Rotary Walk, is set to take place concurrently with the island-wide walk on Saturday 8 June from 11am to 2pm in the car park of Rosaire Court & Gardens.

The event is hosted and run by Rosaire Community Association in partnership with Housing 21, the Housing Association that runs the Extra Care Scheme. The Association, an independent charity is based at Rosaire Court and was one of the beneficiaries of the 2023 Saffery Rotary Walk.

Members of the association were eager to make their own contribution towards the Saffery Rotary Walk but the challenge of completing all or parts of the Island Walk was simply not an option for its community due to health, disability, and the effects of getting older.

The idea of hosting their own community event seemed appealing and would give members the opportunity to take part amongst friends and family to walk lengths of the car park as part of a Community Team to complete a combined total distance of 39 miles, equivalent to the route of the Saffery Rotary Walk.

Chairman of the Saffery Rotary Walk, Simon Milsted said: “The values of inclusion go to the core of both the Rotary movement and our sponsor of the main event, Saffery Trust. So, it took us no time at all, to accept Rosaire Community Association’s invitation to join forces and bring our fundraising within the sphere of the residents in and around Rosaire Court & Gardens.

“We are so pleased that in this initiative we have together broadened yet again the appeal of this special day of participation and celebration of our Island to another group of much respected members of our community.”

A total of over 60 participants walked ‘Step by Step’ in 2023 with determination to raise funds. Both adults and children of all ages and abilities, along with their supporters, attended the event. Those taking part smashed through the aggregate target of 39 miles covered and well exceeded their sponsorship target.

The Association’s members, family and friends are pleased to make their special contribution to the main goal of the walk to raise money for 21 local charities this year, whilst promoting inclusion, participation and combatting social isolation, in an enjoyable way.

Due to many requests following last year’s event, the ‘Step by Step’ Walk will hopefully become an annual event in the island’s calendar.

Islanders of all ages and abilities are welcomed to join the event to take part or support those involved. Registration opens at 10.30.a.m. at Rosaire Court’s main reception for the Step by Step Walk and you can donate or download and print off a sponsorship form in advance from the Saffery Rotary Walk website or alternatively, for those more able, register for the regular Round Island Walk.