Long day in the sun for walkers

Saturday 21 June 2014

More than a thousand people have got their walking shoes on and are taking big steps around the Island today for local charities.

They set off from the Harbour at 3 am on the 48.1 mile Collas Crill Island Walk and will be battling more than sore feet – they’ve got the blistering sun to contend with too – with temperatures due to reach 23 degrees.

250 Islanders will be setting off from Le Braye at lunchtime on a shorter 12 mile walk alongside the Island’s Lieutenant Governor, General Sir John McColl. The LG Walk splits the Island into quarters so that people can complete the whole circuit in four years. Anyone wanting to join in at the last minute needs to register at Le Braye at midday.

This year some new kit is being tested by BBC Radio Jersey’s Kevin Pamplin which will map out his movements on the walk. The new satellite technology could be used on future walks to improve the safety of walkers and so that their family, friends and supporters can track them as they make their way round the coastline.

Collas Crill's senior partner in Guernsey Chris Bound is 'doing the double', having already walked around Guernsey in the Saffery Champness Rotary Island Walk two weeks ago.

He said: "The Island Walk is a fantastic community effort – hundreds of people take part, hundreds help out and hundreds more benefit from the money raised, as every penny is distributed to charity. I am delighted that Collas Crill is involved with this great tradition.”

18,000 walkers have helped raise £1.8 million for good causes in the Island since the Island Walk started in 1990.

11 Jersey charities will benefit from the Island Walk this year: Age Concern, Les Amis, Jersey Bat Group, Cat Action Trust, Diabetes Jersey, Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, Jersey Mencap, Jersey Special Gymnastics Club, Helping Wings, Ridout House and the 3rd Jersey Scout Group.