Charities prepare to cash in on record-breaking walk

Tuesday 02 September 2014

Jersey charities are in for a windfall today thanks to the hundreds of people who walked miles to support them this summer.

The sponsorship money from the Collas Crill Island Walk in June is all in and counted and the amount raised will be announced at a presentation today before the cheques are handed out by one of the Walk’s participants – the Island’s Lieutenant-Governor.

This year's main charities are Les Amis and Age Concern but a total of 11 that are helping the old, the young, Islanders with learning disabilities and health and environment-related causes will all get a share.

Island Walk trustee Jake Crichton said: "The amount that charities receive is entirely dependent on how much money is raised by walkers, both in registration fees and sponsorship.

"With increasing demands on personal finances and more and more charity events in the Jersey calendar we realised it could be difficult to raise sponsorship, but walkers, their friends, family and colleagues are helping these extremely worthy causes benefit from a healthy donation by the Island Walk trustees."

The Walk has been running for 24 years but this year was a real record-breaker -  75% crossed the finish line to complete the 48 miles, up 10% on previous years with the first man making it home in 7.56 hours.

A record number also joined Sir John McColl on the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge – 289 signed up to walk the 12 miles with him from Le Braye to the Waterfront.

The Walk has been running for 24 years and so far 18,000 walkers have raised £1.8 million for local causes.

This year it is helping Les Amis, Age Concern, Jersey Mencap, Diabetes Jersey, Caesarea Association, Helping Wings, Jersey Special Gymnastics Club, Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, 3rd Jersey (St Saviour) Scout Group, Cat Action Trust 1977 Jersey branch and Jersey Bat Group.