This Is Guernsey

By Joel de Woolfson

More than 800 islanders took to the roads to take part in yesterday’s 12-mile World Aid Walk, to raise money for various humanitarian charities. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0574327)

CHILDREN are the main contributors to the continued success of the World Aid Walk, according to its chairwoman.

More than 800 people took part in the annual walk held yesterday to raise money for international charities and Bella Farrell said she was thrilled by the turnout.

‘The number of people taking part increases every year, it’s amazing,’ she said. ‘We get a lot of children taking part and they are the driving force behind its success because they are so enthusiastic about it and they make their parents want to do it.

‘The kids learn about it through their school and they are so motivated.  I think it’s unlike any other event from that point of view.’ Last year, £25,000 was raised and Mrs Farrell said that would be better this time around.

All money raised will be split between ActionAid, Save the Children, Oxfam, Christian Aid, and The Tumani Fund, which is a new addition this year.

‘We are thrilled that the Tumani Fund has joined the World Aid Walk,’ Mrs Farrell said.

‘We are also very grateful for the support of Ipes because its sponsorship ensures that all the money raised goes directly to the projects.’

She said the event seemed to capture islanders’ imagination.

‘I think it’s reflective of society,’ she said.

‘It’s one of the few opportunities that islanders have to publicly show that they care about helping relieve global poverty.

‘They can do that co-operatively.

‘They can walk together in solidarity and show people that they care about others.’

Walkers set off on the 12-mile (20km) walk yesterday morning at 9 in wet conditions, but that did not affect the upbeat atmosphere.

‘It’s incredible,’ Mrs Farrell added.

‘The weather was bad but it did not dampen the spirit of the walkers one little bit.’

One walker, 10-year-old Barnaby Lawson, said he had been told about the walk by his teachers.

‘We were told about the World Aid Walk at school and I really wanted to do it because I wanted to help save the world,’ he said.

‘My feet hurt after a while because it was such a long way,  but I really enjoyed it.

‘I had fun all the way around.’

Deputy John Gollop completed some of the walk and said it had done him good.

‘I’m very tired now, though,’ he said.

‘I made it from Castel Church to Vazon kiosk.’