Jersey's most popular charity event raised over £125,000 during its 25th anniversary this year, smashing its target of £100,000 and bringing the total amount raised for local charities since the walk began to over £2m. The amount was revealed on Wednesday when the Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency General Sir John McColl, presented 14 charities with a share of the money raised.
This year's main charities, Centre Point, Parkinson's Jersey and National Trust Jersey, were each presented with cheques for £20,000. 10 more charities were given a share of the total: Family Nursing and Home Care, Shopmobility, Macmillan Jersey, Beachability, The Teenage Cancer Trust, Grace Trust Jersey, Abbeyfield, Glanville Homes and Helping Wings. Donations were also made to organisations that helped on the day: the Ambulance Services Unit, Girlguiding Jersey, St John Ambulance, 10th Jersey (St Brelade) Scout Group and Scouts World.
Special presentations were made to the youngest walker to finish, 9 year old Eadie Roberts and the oldest, 74 year old Gerald Le Brun. An award was given to Jason Dodd, who raised the most amount of sponsorship money, and also to relay team Alex Picot Scrambled Legs who raised the highest team sponsorship.
647 people finished the full 48 mile walk, while 246 completed the 10.9 mile Lieutenant Governor's Walk. The relay walk was a new addition this year and saw 70 teams of 4 complete the 48 mile route between them.
Founder of the Island Walk, Paul Owen, said: "The Trust was determined to make our 25th anniversary year a special one and it certainly was. The introduction of the relay helped to raise the amount collected to £125,000 and brings the total amount raised since the beginning of this great community event to £2,077,668".
Collas Crill Senior Partner, Nuno Santos-Costa, said: "The atmosphere on the day of the walk was incredible and, as title sponsors, we are proud to be able to support such a monumental event in Jersey's charity calendar. The amount raised this year reflects the enthusiasm of all involved, from the walkers to the volunteers and Collas Crill's own staff.
"A special vote of thanks should go to the trustee and rotary members for all their hard work in the run up to the walk and on the day. Collas Crill would like to especially thank Paul Owen, who retires from the organising committee this year. As one of the original founders of the walk Paul has given 25 years' service to it and helped it to become the wonderful event today.
"The charities that will benefit from the walk touch such a diverse range of lives in Jersey and it's truly special to know that so many of people pulled together to make it happen. We are looking forward to doing it all again next year."
The date for next year's walk has now been confirmed and will take place on 18 June 2016. Visit www.ccislandwalk.com for more details.
