£70,000 raised by Saffery Rotary Walk is handed over

A special presentation was held at Government House, with individual cheques presented to 17 charities and awards given to some of those who did the 39-mile round-island walk in June.

Walk vice-chairman Nigel Dorey said the organisers were very pleased with how much was raised this year.

‘We were nearing the thousand in terms of walkers, so that’s a fantastic effort,’ he said.

‘This is the highlight, handing over the cheques is the big event, and it is so important for these charities. But the support we get from the general public and the businesses in the island is extraordinary and let’s hope they keep doing that for a long time.’

The 17 charities to benefit from this year’s walk represented a cross section of Guernsey’s community, ranging from the arts, to sport and leisure, and causes that support disability and inclusion in all its forms.

Liberate promotes and supports the LGBTQ community. CEO Ellie Jones took part in the walk and was honoured to receive money towards the annual Pride event.

‘We were really pleased and the money’s going towards an autistic quiet area at Pride so that our neuro diverse community can get away from the hubbub and relax and take some down time.’

Guernsey Hockey’s CEO Ali Le Tocq was also grateful to receive funds.

‘We’re using it to start walking hockey,’ she said.

‘Walking football is really popular over here so we can open up hockey to the wider community and get people to just enjoy the social and physical side of a team sport.’

Saffery Champness has been supporting the walk for the past eight years, providing vital funds which allows all the money raised by participants to be distributed to local charities.

Director Lisa Vizia said the company were glad to give back to the island.

. Next year’s walk is on 10 June.