Walkers put interests of others before own

PEOPLE came out in force for this year's World Aid Walk. About 900 took to the roads for the annual event which raises money for various charities.

Organising committee chairwoman Isabel Farrell was delighted with the number of walkers.

'There was a tremendous turnout and we'd like to thank people for their time, energy and money,' she said.

'It's really emotional, with three billion people earning less then $2 a day, 11 million under fives dying from poverty each year, women walk the same distance every morning to get water for their children. It's an incredibly humbling experience.'

Walkers were in good spirits despite the drizzle.

'It doesn't matter what the weather is like, they are in solidarity with others they will never know. They are caring people, they feel, so the crowd is very special.'

Organisers hoped to exceed the £24,000 which was raised last year.

The walk had a green theme for the first time.

There were no balloons because of the problems they can cause for wildlife.

And plastic cups for water had been replaced with recyclable or biodegradable ones.

At the start of the event, youngsters eager to get to the front ran up High Street. The crowd had filled Church Square.

Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland got the walk under way.

He urged people to think about poverty and the environment with every step they took.

Mr Rowland later thanked the police, St John Ambulance and sponsors International Private Equity Services, A1 Distributors, Checkers and Mondomundi.

'Without them we would just not be able to put on the World Aid Walk.'

Money raised will go to Christian Aid, Save the Children, Oxfam and Action Aid.

Among the first people to finish were Paul Harrison and his friend Marcus Tedde, both 17.

'I've done the walk since I was in Year 6. It's always something fun to do and it's good to raise money,' said Paul.

Marcus first took part when he was in Year 5.

'I just enjoy doing it, raising money for good causes,' he said.

'There's always a big atmosphere in the morning, you just can't wait to go.'

The wind was a problem around Grandes Rocques, he added.

'I'm tired, sweaty and hurting,' he said.

* Anyone who could not take part in the walk but wants to donate money should send it to Guernsey World Aid Walk treasurer Cathy Goubert at 1, Grange End, Braye Road, Vale, GY3 SPR.