World Aid Walk entry tops 1,000
MORE than 1,000 people spent their Bank Holiday Monday walking the northern part the coast.
The annual World Aid Walk saw an increase in participants this year, with the majority walking from Port Soif to Town.
‘It’s a great atmosphere down here this morning,’ said Peter Carey, one of the organisers.
‘We’ve got the samba band, and more people signed up than last year. The sun is out but there’s also a nice breeze which should be good for the walkers.’
He added that some people would be joining the walk at Pembroke, the halfway point, for a shorter route.
The Van Vliet family were raring to go ahead of the starting air horn and were also taking Lola the dog along with them.
They had volunteered for the event for several years, but finally decided to take part in the walking aspect.
‘We’re really looking forward actually taking part this year,’ said dad, Chris.
‘We haven’t done any preparation or walking training, but the dog will be fine the whole way and pull us along.’
His son Ryan, aged 8, completed the shorter route last year.
He said that his legs had hurt afterwards, and wasn’t sure about walking the full route this year, but hoped he could stop for ice cream.
Cousins Isabelle Leale, 8, and Rosie Ogier, 9, were taking on the walk with their mums for the first time.
They both said that they were looking forward to it but were unsure if they would make it the full way round the coast.
The World Aid Walk also takes place in Herm.
Following increased registration last year, the number of places have risen from 150 to 200 to accommodate everyone willing to take part.
The Herm walk is 8.5km, compared to Guernsey’s 20km.
History of the walk and who it helps
THE World Aid Walk saw an increase in the number of participants compared to last year.
Very nearly 900 people pre-registered, and organisers estimated another 150 people had signed up on the morning.
Herm’s 200 places were all snapped up in advance.
The Guernsey walk started at Port Soif at 10am, and followed a 20km coastal route north into Town.
A 10km walk started at noon from the north end of Pembroke, which was ideal for younger children or people who did not want to take on the full distance.
The walk has been taking place in Guernsey since 1970, and raises money for families and communities living in poverty.
This year’s proceeds will be distributed between ActionAid, Christian Aid, the Eleanor Foundation, This is Epic and the Tumaini Fund. The Overseas Aid & Development Commission will match the funds raised by participants.
