World Aid Walk has a new slogan
FIGHTING poverty heart and sole was the new slogan of this year’s World Aid Walk, which took place yesterday in considerably more pleasant conditions than last year when the day was blighted by wind and rain.
‘We were the only event that didn’t cancel,’ said organising committee chairman Bella Farrell.
She said that the number signed up ahead of the event was 6% up on that figure from 2017 – including 94 doing it in Herm – but she expected at least another 200 on the day.
As the sun beat down on the walkers leaving Market Square, she said that free water would be provided at the various check points – and any dogs being walked would also be able to get a drink en route.
The square was the focal point of the day, with Samba Burros playing the walkers out after Dame Mary Perkins, from co-sponsors Specsavers, sounded the starting horn.
She said afterwards that it was an appropriate starting point, right next to the company’s Town shop.
Karel Harris, from the event’s other sponsor, Sarnia Hotels, said she thought it was wonderful that so many children were taking part.
The College of Further Education’s health and social care students had organised music for the walkers after they returned post-midday, with the School of Popular Music providing the entertainment.
Among this year’s beneficiaries was This is Epic, whose Louise Smith said that the money it received would go towards helping people in places like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She was pleased that so many charities with a strong local presence were being helped: ‘It’s about working together and I think there’s something quite powerful in the Guernsey charities coming together,’ she said.
Her eight-year-old son Barnabas and daughter Eden, 7, were among the younger walkers, although Barnabas had taken part last year: ‘I got soaked,’ he said.
Eden said the most she had walked before was about five miles, but she hoped she would be able to complete the 12 mile route to Cobo and back.
‘It was hard the last time I did it,’ said Amelie Watts, 9, who took part two years ago.
She was doing the walk this time with her dad, Andrew, and friend Amelia Bell, 9.
‘I did the walk when I was five,’ said Amelia.
Mr Watts said he was the water carrier: ‘And I’m the one who’s going to have to carry them at the end,’ he joked.
nThis year proceeds from the World Aid Walk will go to charities This is Epic, The Tumaini Fund, Christian Aid, Action Aid and the Eleanor Foundation.
