Cheryl Latter, the White House’s sous chef Leonie Theron, head receptionist Linda Gijsbertsen and Cheryl’s daughter, Eden, represented Herm in this year’s Race for Life. (0997914)

A GROUP of girls from Herm represented the island in this year’s Race for Life.

White House head receptionist Linda Gijsbertsen, sous chef Leonie Theron, my daughter Eden and I made the trip to Guernsey, supported by Leana Lowe, who came along as chief bag-holder and cheerleader.

Although it was the third time for the Latter family, it was the first race for both Linda and Leonie.

Linda was running in memory of her aunt, who died when she was very young. She began running only a few months ago and wanted to run as much of the course as possible, rather than walk. In her position as head receptionist at the hotel – and after five years in the island – she is very well known to guests and thanks to generous contributions from regular visitors, she has raised a whopping £1,200 over the past few months.

Linda completed the course in 39 minutes, just behind Leonie, who did it in 35 minutes. Eden and I took considerably longer, but we like to enjoy the walk.

The race means a lot to seven-year-old Eden, who does it every year in memory of several family members and in support of a young friend of hers who is very ill. Unfortunately, many women in our family have succumbed to cancer, and we are always mindful that it could happen to any of us.

She was thrilled when area events manager Rachel White picked her out of the crowd for trying hardest during the warm-up and presented her with a Race for Life promotional CD.

Other fund-raising in the island included a race night at the Mermaid, which raised an additional £1,200.

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I’m sure everyone in Herm would like to pay tribute to Charlie Wilcox, who sadly died on Saturday after a long illness. Charlie was the patriarch of the Travel Trident boat service, which has served the island well for more than 30 years.

As Hermites, the Trident is our lifeline and this family-run business serves us and our guests year-round. They are always pleasant, friendly and helpful. Charlie’s family will no doubt continue to run the business this way in his memory for many more years.