The Saffery Rotary Walk has once again raised more than £100,000 for local causes, with sixteen Bailiwick charities receiving their share of the 2026 funds.
The money was presented at an evening held at Government House on Thursday, hosted by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell KBE CB.
Despite at times challenging weather conditions, more than 1,000 walkers took part in the event, either as solo walkers, relay teams or as part of the Family Walk. Those completing the whole Walk set off at 4.30am from the former Visitor Information Centre. The last to finish was a family group of four who completed the route at 8.43pm after more than 16 hours. Organisers said the turnout and the atmosphere along the route were as strong as in any previous year.
Walk Chairman Simon Milsted said: “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.”
He added: “Tonight is the bit that makes all of it worthwhile. Sixteen organisations are going home with the money, and every one of them will put it straight to work. Thank you to every walker, every marshal, every volunteer and everyone who sponsored a friend or stood out in that weather to cheer.”
Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Trust, said: “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.
“As well as our main sponsorship, we play an active role in organising the Walk, with colleagues giving their time as volunteers throughout, from packing night to managing the finish line on the day. It is this partnership with Rotary that has helped the Walk become one of the most significant dates in Guernsey’s fundraising calendar.”
