‘Big Hour’ fundraisers start on Friday at Le Friquet

In total, more than 40 events are being staged over the next two months, the majority in February, and the first is an hour of ice skating at Le Friquet on Friday afternoon.

Organiser Jean Owen, a well known local musician, was motivated to start the fundraiser after her friend Sam Holland was diagnosed with the condition in March.

‘Sam is such a lovely person and has had fantastic support from Guernsey MND,’ she said.

‘I kept thinking about her, and I just thought rather than thinking, I should do something.

‘It is such a cruel disease and there is no cure.’

Mrs Owen started organising events in September and looked to friends and colleagues to help. She now has 44 events in the diary over the next few weeks.

‘The idea behind the Big Hour was for people to ask people if they could give up 60 minutes of their time to help,’ she said.

‘People have been so generous and I’d like to say a public thank you to this amazing band of people.

‘We have such a varied calendar of events, some private and some public – a paint and prosecco evening, box fit, yoga, valentine bouquet making, to name but a few.’

As well as events, the fundraiser also includes some big auction prizes, from a night at St Pierre Park to an hour of music from string quartet Mariposa.

‘I encourage everyone to look at the Big Hour Facebook page, there are so many events and auctions to choose from,’ Mrs Owen said.

‘All the events are fully staffed with volunteers, but if someone wanted to create their own event too, we would love to hear from them.’

The ice skating takes place on Friday between 3 and 4 pm at Le Friquet Garden Centre. Tickets cost £15 for an hour’s skating.

‘We would love to start the year off with as many people coming down to the ice rink as possible,’ said Mrs Owen.

‘The money will go to a great cause.’

• For details of all the events, how to get tickets for the ice skating or simply to donate, please visit the Big Hour Facebook page.