YULETIDE YOMP TO SUPPORT TWO CHARITIES

SATURDAY’S Yuletide Yomp will raise money for two military-related charities – Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The annual fundraiser, which was the idea of Guernseyman Corporal Alex Ward who serves with 5^th Battalion, The Rifles, is now in its fifth year. Each Christmas, serving and retired military personnel walk 13 miles from Les Rocquettes Hotel, down to Cobo and then make their way around the coast back to Town.

‘The support from islanders never ceases to amaze us and each year we manage to collect thousands of pounds in loose change to help military personnel who have been injured in the course of duty,’ said Help for Heroes local co-ordinator Pete Burtenshaw.

‘We hope that this year will see a record amount raised as we will be dividing the money between Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund, who both provide invaluable support for military personnel and their families.’

This year’s Yuletide Yomp will start at 10.30am and to ensure the safety of participants, numbers will be restricted to 35. Weighted bergans or rucksacks up to 25 kilogrammes are optional and participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

‘We hope that as many serving or retired personnel will be able to join us so that we can raise as much money as possible for two very important and deserving charities,’ said Mr Burtenshaw.

‘We would ask road users to consider their own safety and the safety of others. The safety of those taking part and road users is of paramount importance to all on the Yuletide Yomp”.

Money is also being raised for Help for Heroes, as well as The Alzheimer’s Association & The Professor Saint Medical Trust, through the sale of a commemorative DVD showing highlights of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in the island. Guernesi Celebre, which is priced at £10, is available from www.guernseyfilmmakers.org

Tags: Army Benevolent Fund, Corporal Alex Ward, Help for Heroes, Yuletide Yomp

Category: Charity, Community