Pub regulars’ fundraiser walks all over target

A FUNDRAISING challenge in memory of a man who died last year aimed to raise £500, but so far has brought in more than £10,500 for the Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief.

Red Lion fundraisers rose to the challenge of walking 43 miles in January, which was the age of Chris Beale when he died of cancer. They have raised more than £10,500 for the Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief and its chairman, Peter Atkinson, thanked them for their efforts. Pictured next to him are Laura Beale, Chris’s widow, and Teresa Brouard, who laid down the challenge. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 30469665)

Chris Beale, who worked for Geomarine, lost his battle with the disease in December, aged 43.

He had married Laura after being given the all-clear following previous treatment, only for the cancer to return.

Mr and Mrs Beale’s local was The Red Lion. Following Mr Beale’s death another regular, Teresa Brouard, laid down a challenge to others, who were asked to walk 43 miles in January to raise money for the charity which had helped the Beale family.

A cheque for £10,543 was presented to Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief chairman Peter Atkinson after 24 Red Lionesses walked a total of 1,151 miles.

‘We set out with the aim of raising £500 but it just got bigger and bigger,’ said Mrs Beale.

‘People were out walking in all sorts of weather. People have been so generous and we still have more money to come.

‘Chris always said he wanted to give something back to the charity. He would have been ecstatic, but he would have laughed too as he absolutely hated walking.’

Chris Beale, who died from cancer in December, and his wife, Laura.

The Red Lion Challenge was set up in the first couple of days of January and Ms Brouard said people were soon signing up by the day.

Mrs Beale said she would forever be grateful for the help they received from the charity.

‘Chris was first diagnosed in September 2020,’ she said. ‘He had radiotherapy for five weeks and while we were going through all that he had to be off work. The charity helped with our mortgage repayments and some of our bills.

‘This was during lockdown, so when he came back from Southampton he had to isolate for two weeks. The children and I had to move out and the charity paid for a self-catering apartment so Chris could have the house.’

The Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief spends more than £140,000 every year supporting islanders and their families during the course of their diagnosis and treatment.

Mr Atkinson said it was amazing that so much money had been raised in such a short time.

‘It’s a great achievement and very helpful to us,’ he said. ‘We really appreciate everybody’s hard work and contributions and it’s given us a good start to our fundraising year.’

. To donate, visit JustGiving, https://bit.ly/334nlet.