The sun certainly shone on this year’s Saffery Rotary Walk on Saturday 8 June as the two Rotary Clubs once again painted the coastline orange for the day.
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 across the main Walk event or the side events that make the 39-mile course accessible to all.
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 10pm. 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 continuing to grow and become more inclusive year upon year, allowing walkers of all abilities to take part and experience that atmosphere while embracing the challenge.”
Lisa continued: “The weather conditions were ideal, with the walkers and the coastline looking spectacular, 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.”
“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.
“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.”
