Islanders ‘pull together’ to support local cancer charity

Photo courtesy of Paul Wright Photographer

Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey’s annual Rowathon – where fundraisers row 30,000 meters (equivalent rowing distance of Jersey to Sark) in teams of six is hoping to raise £20,000 for the island-based charity.

Over 150 people took part in the event at Transform Together Fitness on Saturday 30^th April, with Channel 103 broadcasting in the morning and a local DJ ensuring spirits and heartrates were kept high in the afternoon.

Kevin Alway – Macmillan Jersey’s Operations and Communications Manager said ‘This was our first in-person event since the pandemic began, and for so many people to sign-up and participate was heartening. As a charity we rely heavily on the generosity of islanders – and events such as our Rowathon where people can come together and help us raise funds and awareness show just how cancer affects our community. One in two people will hear the words “you have cancer” in their lifetimes – and with money raised from events such as our Rowathon, we can ensure we are here to support people in Jersey for years to come’.

The event was kindly sponsored by PraxisIFM – ensuring all money raised by supporters goes directly to funding the emotional, practical and wellbeing support that Macmillan Jersey offers to any islander affected by cancer.

Daniel Reynolds, Managing Director of PraxisIFM in Jersey, said: “Most people will be impacted by cancer in their lifetime whether directly or through friends, family or colleagues, so it’s a cause that’s close to many hearts. The work Macmillan Jersey does is both invaluable to those it helps and incredibly noble. We were honoured to be involved in the Rowathon and I know our team who took part had great fun. Well done and thank you to everyone who participated or contributed to this fantastic event. ”

Macmillan Jersey would also like to thank Cameron and his team at Transform Together Fitness for use of their fantastic space, the team at AFM for their logistical support and coordinating with the generous island gyms and sports facilities who kindly donated their rowing machines, Sandpiper CI and Cimandis for use of their parking facilities, and the wealth of island-based businesses who supplied their time, expertise and energy into helping ensure the event was a huge success!

As a local charity, Macmillan Jersey’s vision is that everybody affected by cancer in Jersey will have access to emotional, practical and wellbeing support, through their preferred route of contact. This support will be delivered in a way that meets peoples individual needs from diagnosis and beyond, and from whichever source is best placed. As the charity doesn’t receive any funding from Macmillan UK, they rely heavily on the continued support of the generous local public through donations.