Big Hour raises more than £30,000 for Guernsey Motor Neurone

The campaign is the brainchild of local musician Jean Owen, who asked a host of islanders to give up 60 minutes of their time to help raise funds for the charity.

In total, more than 40 events were staged, the majority in February and with the penultimate one – a seaweed-pressing session led by local artist Amanda Rickards – taking place last week.

Mrs Owen said she would not know the exact amount raised until all the donations were in and she had closed the Big Hour at the end of April.

‘I didn’t set out with a target amount, but we are over £30,000 now, and I hope that the Big Hour has raised the awareness of Guernsey Motor Neurone,’ she said. ‘I am truly humbled by not only my friends but by people that I don’t know who have embraced the whole concept of the Big Hour.’

There is now just one public event left, which is a drop-in sail on the Model Yacht Pond on 5 April, organised by the Guernsey Sailing Trust.

‘How do I go about thanking people for their time, their effort, their money, and not forget anyone?’ Mrs Owen said.

‘The extraordinary public events such as the Burns Night dinner with bagpipers, the St Saviour’s open kitchens, the concert by Bel Canto, the quiz organisers, the talent show, the jigsaw event, the seaweed foraging, coffee morning, Italian conversation, organ recital, valentine bouquet making, watercolour painting, seaweed pressing, Boxfit, ceili, yoga, pilates, dancing, exercise class, a Gadoc event and a folk music open evening. Almost every event was full, supported by our wonderful community willing to experience something new and generously donating.’

She added that there had also been many private events, including dinner parties, afternoon teas and exercise groups taking place in homes around the island, and that generous Guernsey companies and establishments donated items to events. There was even a generous donation from outside the island by Arran Whisky.

‘I was asked today “Would I do this again?” I need to catch up on some sleep before I answer that one. I do know that it has been a privilege, and I am in awe of the bravery of Sam Holland and other islanders living with MND.’

Susie Hunt, press and publicity officer for Guernsey Motor Neurone, said Mrs Owen had taken a germ of an idea and turned it into a triumphant fundraiser.

‘Her passion for the cause, her determination and her incredible friendship circle have made the Big Hour one of the most inspired fundraising initiatives we can think of,’ she said. ‘We have been blown away by Jean’s enthusiasm and would like to thank everyone who’s supported the events.

‘Guernsey Motor Neurone exists to support those living with MND in the Bailiwick both practically and emotionally. A fully powered wheelchair costs in the region of £20,000 and we can only continue to support people with the disease thanks to incredible events – and people – like Jean.’

• Islanders can still contribute to the campaign until the end of April at www.giving.gg by selecting the Big Hour and then ‘general donations’.