Islanders to 'take off’ on runway challenge

Sunday 22 September 2019

Islanders will next week ‘take off’ from the airport runway in a challenge set to help out a local café with a conscience.

A total 100 runners will be lapping the airport grounds as part of the ‘Raspberry Runway Run’ next Thursday between 20:30 and 22:30.

Supported by Ports of Jersey and Le Gallais and Luce, the race is in aid of Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK), which employs 45 people with learning disabilities.

Video: Express took a peek inside the 'café with a conscience' when it first opened.

“In house we have a cafe, print works and catering workshop from which offer out side and in house catering. We also now run the cafe at Police HQ,” fundraising manager Georgie Cottini explained. 

However, the charity wants to help even more islanders, and has a current waiting list of “at least 30” – one of the reasons why Thursday’s fundraising is so important for the charity.

“Because BSK is run as a training centre our operating costs are considerably higher. We need to raise a minimum of £250,000 a year and receive no government funding so rely purely on grants, corporate partnerships and events such as this Raspberry Run to raise the money needed to keep providing the level of training we offer,” Georgie added.

For those who want to help, but aren’t ready to don running shoes, there’s also a fundraising raffle, with some unique prizes:

• 1st prize - £2000 to spend at Stott and Willgrass
• 2nd prize - BA travel vouchers for £150
• 3rd prize - Rib trip to Carteret for 2 donated by Island Rib Voyages
• 4th prize - Sonos One Voice Controlled Smart Speaker donated by Prosperity 24.7
• 5th prize - A guided tour of Air Traffic Control for 6 people donated by Ports of Jersey
• 6th prize -A visit to the Coast Guard VTS and a guided tour of a Ports of Jersey donated by Ports of Jersey
• 7th prize - A visit to to the Jersey Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service
• 8th prize - £50 Unlimited Travel Pass donated by Liberty Bus

Tickets to enter the Raspberry Run cost £30 and £20 for children over 12, and come with a free t-shirt and runway medal.

Raffle tickets, meanwhile, cost £5 and can be bought from BSK or at the event. The draw will take place at the Aero Club after the run, where there’ll be drinks and nibbles.