Throwing light on to the work of Sanctuary Trust
Over 250 people, many with a huge variety of illuminated dogs, left the warmth of their beds in the small hours of Sunday morning to join the second Jersey Electricity-sponsored Walk Into Light in support of the Sanctuary Trust. They formed an amazing ‘candle-lit snake’ as they wound their way down the 5km length of the Railway Walk, starting at Corbière at 4.30am and emerging into the sunrise at St Aubin around 6am.
There, they enjoyed well-earned bacon rolls and coffees provided by St Aubin Café while chatting to fellow walkers. Among the throng, over twice as many as took part in last year’s inaugural walk, was Lt Governor Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and his wife Lady Dalton, Senators Steve Pallett, Sam Mézec and Kristina Moore, and Deputy Rob Ward.
Former Chief Minister, Frank Walker, Chairman of the Trustees of Sanctuary Trust, thanked everyone for making the event such a huge success and for supporting the charity which helps homeless men in crisis rebuild their lives. To date, the Trust has helped over 200 men, including over 20 ex-servicemen.
General Manager at Sanctuary Trust, Brett Cutts, said: ‘I’m almost speechless at the turnout. All our current residents were keen to take part and they too are overwhelmed by the support. The event has raised much-needed funds for the Trust but just as importantly, it has help to raise the profile of the charity and the work we do. We are very grateful for Jersey Electricity’s support in sponsoring the event and to the Idea Works for helping promote it.’
At the finish, the Rev Mark Bond, also a trustee, joked that he personally would sponsor a prize next year for the best ‘illuminated dog’. Liberty Bus kindly provided a free shuttle to return the walkers to their cars – though the very keen decided to walk it back to Corbière and enjoy the scenery in the daylight.
