More than £20k raised for Hospice in fundraising bonanza weekend

Saturday 24 July 2021

Hundreds of islanders dusted off their trainers, bike helmets and swim caps last weekend, helping raise more than £20,000 for Jersey Hospice Care.

Last weekend saw two of the charity’s much loved summer events, Marc’s Walk and Tour de Jersey, bring together 200 and 300 islanders respectively.

Marc’s Walk, organised by Willy Nieuwburg, began in 2011 in memory of Willy’s son Marc who lost his battle with bone cancer in 2004.

Over the years, it has raised £126,000 for local charities. Last weekend's total reached £7,325 to help fund a new unit for children and young people with life threatening diseases, or in need of end of life care at Jersey Hospice Care.

Starting from either the Lifeboat Station at St Catherine’s or Grosnez, the walkers joined together at St John’s Manor and continued through Waterworks Valley to finish at the Waterfront in a sea of orange T-shirts in celebration of Marc’s life and Dutch heritage.

This year marked Willy’s eleventh and last walk. "After 11 years organising Marc's Walk, it is just amazing to be able to say that this year's was one of the best, if not the best!” he said.

“From the two routes coming together, the sunny weather and the amazing turn out of over 230 people, it all came together for one fun-packed, memorable day.

“Thank you to everyone who joined me in supporting Jersey Hospice Care. This might have be the last Marc's Walk, but I am looking forward to organising something a little different for next year."

Pictured: Over 300 cyclists joined the ride. (James Barrell)

On the same day, but heading out from Elizabeth Marina, more than 300 cyclists of all abilities took part in the annual Jersey Hospice Care Tour de Jersey. Cyclists were able to pick between three routes: 100km or 50km, or a 20km family-friendly route to Corbiere along the cycle track.

Those taking part in the 100km route started at 08:00 and were escorted down the Avenue as they paced themselves to then head up Beaumont Hill.

In total, the event raised £12,500, with cyclists expressing how much they had enjoyed the challenge, even with the heat of the day.

Meanwhile, 630 people took advantage of the good weather to get a few more bays ticked off their list in the 30 Bays in 30 days challenge in support of Hospice and The National Trust for Jersey.

Many participants were spotted in the bays, sporting their blue event swim hats, as well as a very well organised group from Jersey Electricity, which achieved their personal challenge of completing their 30 bays all in one day on Sunday.

Both charities said they are delighted by this years’ take-up and reminded islanders there is still time to sign up.

“What an exciting weekend for Hospice and all our supporters,” Community Events Co-ordinator for Hospice, Marina Brockbank, said.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in one of our events - every donation, through registration or sponsorship, helps us continue to bring dignity and choice to those living with dying in our community and help them live life to the full. Sunday was such a celebration as the walkers completed the last ever Marc’s Walk and although we are all sad to see it go, we can’t thank Willy and all the walkers enough for their support over the years.”