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Rain, sunshine, record numbers, and a sea of orange along the coastline – this year’s Saffery Rotary Walk was one to remember. The Walk, one of the island’s most popular and inclusive charity events, took place on Saturday, June 7th. A record-breaking 1,200+ participants took part in the main event and its accessible side routes. From early morning until late evening, walkers of all ages and abilities stepped out to support 25 local charities. The main walk began at 4:30 am from the Guernsey Information Centre, with individuals and relay teams joining along the 39-mile route. The final checkpoint at the Liberation Monument stayed open until 10 pm to welcome the last finishers, many of whom completed the full island circuit. In addition to the ‘Main’ and ‘Family’ walks, the ‘Step By Step’ Walk was back for the third year at Rosaire Court, where residents, family, friends, and others walked lengths of the car park to collectively reach their 39-mile goal. Lisa Vizia, Director at event sponsor Saffery Trust, said:“The turnout this year was just fantastic – not only from local residents, but also from visitors who travelled to be part of this special day. It’s inspiring to see the event grow each year, bringing people together and making the route accessible for everyone. The atmosphere was incredible, and the coastline looked absolutely breath-taking swathed in orange.” Walk chairman, Simon Milsted, added:“We set ourselves the target of welcoming more off-island walkers, and we certainly did that. We were delighted to welcome participants from the UK and as far afield as South Africa – all of whom came to Guernsey specifically to join the Walk. Collectively our blaze of orange shirts certainly brightened up the greyness of parts of the day.” Among this year’s standout moments was local man Mark Prevel’s extraordinary challenge – running the 39-mile course on Friday before joining the walk at the start on Saturday at 4.30 am alongside fellow walkers on Saturday morning at 4.30 am. Also notable was Ruth Mahy completing the walk this year for the 25th time! The walk is one of the island’s major community events, which were promoted and delivered jointly by Guernsey’s two Rotary Clubs. Rotarian Nigel Dorey led their huge team in preparation and on the day. He said:“We owe a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers from within and outside our two clubs and to our generous sponsors. Their commitment and energy make this event possible. Special thanks must go to Saffery Trust, who are not only our main sponsor the Walk but also man our Finish Line. Our generous sponsors collectively allow every penny raised by walkers to go directly to our 25 chosen charities.” With donations still being collected, the Rotary clubs are hopeful that the record numbers of 2025 will set a new fundraising record. Walkers are encouraged to finalise their sponsorship through their SportsGiving pages or paper forms. Sponsor monies can still be dropped off at Saffery Trust’s office between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. “Yet again, we’ve had a brilliant day with fantastic support,” Simon Milsted concluded. “Now let’s turn that positive energy into real impact for this year’s carefully selected Bailiwick charities.” Those wishing to be involved next year, whether they be walkers, sponsors or volunteers, save the date in your diary now. SATURDAY, 6th JUNE 2026

For some years, the Saffery Rotary Walk has welcomed family or friendship groups of up to four walkers to join us at either of our last two checkpoints, walk with us down the East coast, and cross the finish line alongside other walkers in the heart of St Peter Port. The distance is manageable (at 9 miles and 3.5 miles respectively) and, being level, is suitable for walkers of all ages. All we ask is for youngsters to be accompanied by at least one adult.  So, place 7 June in your diary and register now. We will be there to welcome you at Chouet from 12.00 noon or Bordeaux Harbour from 2.00 pm and will make sure you leave with one of our fantastic branded caps to identify you as a participant in Guernsey’s pre-eminent fundraising walk. Whilst encouraging the participation of youngsters is our prime motivation in running this initiative alongside the full-blooded round island walk, please feel free to play your part in supporting our fundraising for this year’s deserving Bailiwick charities. You can do this by downloading our sponsorship form or by making a one-off donation using the buttons below. *Image courtesy of Saffery Rotary Walk – The family of four team joined up with two walkers last year to share the final leg to the Finish.

We are thrilled to announce the 25 local charities and non-profit organisations selected to benefit from the funds raised during the 2025 Walk, and are encouraging Islanders and our visitors to join this iconic 39-mile coastal challenge to make this possible. Our charities this year represent a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including healthcare, sport, social care, arts, and leisure. Together, they exemplify the diverse ways local third-sector organisations enhance the lives of islanders. So, by participating in the Walk, every step taken and every pound raised helps to support the many vital services provided by this year’s beneficiaries. Walk Chairman, Simon Milsted, emphasised the importance of community involvement:“The Saffery Rotary Walk is a special opportunity for our island to come together in support of extraordinary causes. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, every penny raised by walkers is available for our beneficiary charities. “By signing up for the Walk, you’re not just taking on a personal challenge, but also contributing to a collective legacy that will benefit countless people across the Bailiwick.” Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Trust, echoed Simon’s call to action and highlighted the importance of early registration: “We are proud to support the Saffery Rotary Walk, a fantastic event that showcases the generosity and spirit of our community. “This year’s charity beneficiaries are doing incredible work, and every pound raised will go directly to their efforts.” Lisa continued: “Signing up early not only secures your place but also gives you time to fundraise and train for what promises to be a truly rewarding day. Together, we can create real change for these deserving causes.” The Saffery Rotary Walk is open to participants of all fitness levels and abilities, making the event accessible for everyone.

As organisers of the 2025 Saffery Rotary Walk, we are inviting charities this month to make their pitch for a share of the funds that will be raised. Each year a number of local charities are chosen to receive a share of the sponsorship collected by walkers who take on all or part of the epic 39 mile challenge of walking the Island’s coastal path in its entirety. Last year’s donations exceeded £90,000 which were distributed amongst 21 deserving charities. Jannine Birtwistle, the Walk’s charity co-ordinator, said “Applications are welcome from all registered charities or non-profit organisations located on any of the Islands in the Bailiwick.” “Applications need to be made on the form that can be found on this site or by clicking [Application Form] and submitted within the timescale shown on the form. Bids must relate to defined initiatives that are instrumental to helping the charity meet or advance its objectives.  Regrettably, we are unable to contribute to core salaries, recurring overheads or annual running costs.” This will be the 27th Guernsey’s Round Island Walk, and during its lifetime, over £ 1 million has been donated to local charities. Make this YOUR year to benefit from the generosity and extraordinary endeavour of over 1,000 walkers that we expect to welcome again in June to take part in this iconic event in the annual Guernsey calendar. APPLICATION FORM

2024 was yet another record-breaking year for the Saffery Rotary Walk with both registration numbers and sponsorship funds raised reaching new highs. Over £90,000 was raised for 21 local charities, thanks to the fundraising efforts of more than 1,100 walkers.

The sun certainly shone on this year’s Saffery Rotary Walk on Saturday 8 June as the two Rotary Clubs once again painted the coastline orange for the day. As ever, the Island looks forward to this, one of the island’s most popular charity fundraisers. But this year the recent run of sunny weather brought out record numbers with 1,210 people taking part either the main Walk and the side events that make the 39 mile marathon available to all in part or whole. The primary Walkers gathered at the Guernsey Information Centre, ready to set off at 4.30am, and most ended their walk back at the final checkpoint 39 miles later at the Liberation Monument, which was open until 10.00pm to welcome the last four walkers across the line. Others joined the walk as individuals or members of relay teams at checkpoints along the way. Saffery Trust Director, Lisa Vizia, said: “The turnout for this year’s Walk was incredible. An array of local walkers joined us, as well as walkers from further afield. “We are so proud to see this event grow evermore inclusive year upon year so walkers of all types and abilities can truly embraced the challenge. ”Lisa continued: “The weather conditions were ideal our walkers and the coastline looked a spectacular as ever, helping to keep morale high. It was a very special day for all involved.” Walk chairman, Simon Milsted, shared: “One of our goals this year was to attract back to pre-pandemic levels we certainly did that.” With walkers arriving throughout the week from the UK, South Africa, Hungary and Denmark especially to take part.” Simon continued: “We must say a huge thank you to our amazing team of volunteers and corporate sponsors. Without you, the Walk could not have flourished into the major event that it has become. “A huge thanks also to our event sponsor, Saffery Trust, who continue to generously donate their time and essential funding to the Walk, ensuring that every penny raised by our walkers will benefit this year’s 21 chosen charities. “And a final reminder to our walkers. Please collect your sponsorship money through your Sports Giving page or follow the instructions on your paper sponsorship forms. Record numbers had a wonderful experience. Now let’s translate that into record help for our Island’s charities.” The amount of money raised from the Walk will be confirmed over the coming weeks, but organisers are hopeful that this year’s Walk will be yet another record-breaking year.

£100,000 donated to charity in Rotary’s 100th Anniversary Year. It was a record-breaking year for the Saffery Rotary Walk, in terms of both the number of registered walkers and sponsorship funds raised. The 25th round-island walk, held in June, saw over £100,000 raised for 25 local causes, and Guernsey’s Rotary and Inner Wheel service clubs, thanks to the fundraising efforts of more than 1,000 walkers. Walk Chairman, Simon Milsted, announced the impressive figures at a presentation evening on 25 September, hosted by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House. “I am overwhelmed by the level of support from our walkers, raising such a tremendous amount in our 25th year. Not only is it particularly fitting that we exceeded £100,000 in the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the first Rotary Club here in Guernsey, but we have now smashed through the £1 million barrier for funds donated since first inception of this fabulous event.” said Mr Milsted. Guests at the event, which celebrated the efforts of walkers, organisers and volunteers, included a representative from each of the 25 beneficiary charities, sponsors and walkers who had received special awards. Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE presented cheques to the charities and seven awards to individual and team walkers for their achievements. The Lieutenant-Governor spoke highly of the exemplary contribution that the charitable sector makes to Guernsey life and praised the Rotary Clubs for the continued support of countless local causes made possible in no small measure by way of the annual Round Island Walk. Individuals receiving awards included Harry Wallace, 9, [Youngest Walker], Keith de Carteret, 83, [Oldest Walker], Sam Teers [Saffery Selfie winner] and Alice Falla [prize draw winner]. Casey Rosamond received the award for most sponsorship raised by an individual, while the team of Past Rotary Presidents raised the most in the relay team category. The Peter Walker Award for Endeavour was awarded to the Rosaire Community Association after residents of Rosaire Court, and some of their family members, walked circuits of the Rosaire premises, covering the total 39-mile distance of the Walk. They were also joined on the day by Saffery Trust’s Joe Cardoso-Smale and other Rotarians in support of their efforts. Saffery Trust Director, Lisa Vizia, said the presentation evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of everyone involved in the Walk, as well as recognising the charities. “We want to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable year for the Walk, and for the generous donations and sponsorships raised by our walkers, without whom, this would not be possible. This really was a fitting celebration of Rotary’s milestone year.” The Saffery Rotary Walk Committee also extended its thanks to the Lieutenant-Governor, Mrs Cripwell and the staff of Government House for their hospitality and continued support of the event.

What did the walkers think of the 2023 Saffery Rotary Walk? “I have completed the Saffery Rotary Walk today. This has been the best organised and well-run event that I have ever attended. Total respect to everyone involved. The food was amazing and the support throughout the day was great. A massive thank you to all the volunteers.”A regular walker. “I must admit I was well impressed with the organisation and how well the volunteers looked after me. l must have been asked 20 times or more if I was good and everything okay. One small problem was being offered breakfast at the Gouffre and having to turn it down due to time constraints. It did smell good!”Mark Prevel, who walked the course twice consecutively. “Hi there, I took part in this year’s walk (my first time and it was epic) however, having done it and seeing how much you (as a walker) need the volunteers at each checkpoint etc. I would love to put my name down as a volunteer for next year’s walk. Honestly, the support from every single person was outstanding and my goodness we needed it. Everyone was top class. Absolute superstars. Many thanks”A first-time walker.

An Important Message for our Walkers, Volunteers and Sponsors We want to say a massive thank you to our wonderful volunteers and corporate sponsors without who the Walk could not have grown to be the major success that it is. Special thanks need to go to our event sponsor, Saffery Champness, whose generosity enables us to assure our walkers that every penny that they raise goes without deduction to this year’s 25 selected charities. A final plea to our walkers – Your job is not completely over until you have collected all the sponsorship that has been pledged to you. You can get your sponsorship to us in the following ways:- Post the sum collected to your personal Race Nation Sports Giving page. Pay the money directly into our bank account at:Saffery Rotary Walk Trust60 09 2074677063 Drop a sealed envelope together with your sponsorship form at the offices of Saffery Champness, La Tonnell House, Les Banques, St Sampson. GY1 3HS. If you did not sponsor a walker but wish to contribute to our charities, please use the donation button on the homepage of this site. Thank you all for your tremendous support. The amount of money raised from this year’s walk will be confirmed over the coming weeks, but we are confident that the 25th Round Island Walk will be yet another record breaker.