A determined Jersey dad has set off on an epic 100-mile walking challenge around the Les Quennevais track today to raise money for the charity that’s supported his son through cancer.

Groundsman John Collier began the gruelling 36-hour challenge this morning, pacing round the very track where he works, in aid of CLIC Sargent (Jersey).

His son Alex was diagnosed with a high-grade Spindle Cell Sarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer – in his femur at the age of 23, after initially experiencing leg pain while working at Active alongside his dad.

Pictured: John is undertaking a 100-mile challenge to raise funds for CLIC Sargent (Jersey), who have supported his son Alex throughout his cancer journey.

In late 2024, Alex was given the all-clear. However, his cancer has since returned and he now requires further treatment in both Jersey and the UK.

John’s challenge is expected to conclude tomorrow (Saturday 17 May), after completing 100 miles on foot without leaving the grounds of Les Quennevais Playing Fields.

He’s no stranger to long-distance fundraising. One of his previous efforts saw him complete a 106-kilometre ultra walk around the Isle of Wight in just over 25 hours, raising nearly £10,000.

Pictured: Alex’s brother Ben, hosted a head shave fundraiser at Hautlieu last year to raise money for various local cancer charities.

John said: “While I have completed in the Jersey Island Walk more than a dozen times, the ultra walk around the Isle of Wight last year was by far the hardest challenge I’ve ever completed.”

Now, he’s taking things even further.

“I have decided to continue my fundraising efforts by tackling a more difficult challenge: walking 100 miles. Instead of travelling off-island, I plan to walk around my workplace at Les Quennevais Playing Fields,” he added.

Pictured: John, a groundman at Les Quenenvais Playing Fields, will be commencing his challenge later this week with the aim of finishing in 36 hours.

Alex’s younger brother Ben, a student at Hautlieu, has also stepped up to show his support.

Last year, he organised a head shave fundraiser with friends and classmates, raising money for CLIC Sargent (Jersey) and other local cancer charities. The group also donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for young cancer patients.

Ben described his brother’s diagnosis as a “devastating shock to us and everyone who knew him”.

“He was 23 at the time, an amazing person who has brought joy into the lives of his colleagues and friends,” he said.

Pictured: Ben Collier, a pupil at Hautlieu school, arranged a head shave in 2024 to raise money for local charities that have supported his brother Alex after he was diagnosed with cancer. (Rob Currie)

CLIC Sargent (Jersey) is a local charity that supports children, teenagers and young adults with cancer – and their families – up to the age of 25.

John said: “Throughout this challenging time, we have received invaluable support from CLIC Sargent (Jersey) and Jersey Cancer Relief.”

A spokesperson from CLIC Sargent added: “We’re very grateful to John for choosing to raise money for CLIC Sargent (Jersey). We’re run by a group of volunteers so all of the money raised goes directly to supporting islanders affected by cancer and their families.”

SUPPORT…

Islanders are encouraged to come down to Les Quennevais track later this week to support John during his challenge, which will be kicking off at 8am this Friday (16 May).

Donation buckets will be available on the day or you can donate here.