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The sons of a politician diagnosed with cancer have crossed the finish line on their 36-mile island walk for charities that have helped their dad through chemotherapy to wholehearted support from islanders and donations nearing £20,000.
Deputy Richard Rondel, a well-known and much-loved States Member who has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, described the day of the walk as “one of the most emotional days I have ever had.”
To show their support for their father, Jack (15), Joshua (21) and James (24) walked the entire perimeter of Jersey over the weekend, crossing the finish line on Saturday evening to be greeted with exuberant support from onlookers as well as the news that they had raised a staggering £20,000 for the charities so close to their hearts.
Video: The Rondel brothers crossing the finish line of their 36-mile island walk (Friends of Jersey Oncology).
Deputy Rondel took to social media to express his gratitude for the rallying support from islanders, saying that the fundraising total is “beyond our wildest dreams.”
He praised the volunteers and supporters who helped on the day of the walk.
The phenomenal fundraising efforts of the Rondel brothers began when the youngest son Jack set up JustGiving pages for Friends of Jersey Oncology and Cancer Research UK to gather sponsorship for their round-the-island challenge.
These pages had an initial combined target of £3,000, but at the time of writing they have more than tripled that total, which now stands at £10,965. In addition to other donations, the family have collected donations heading towards the £20,000 mark.
Pictured: The Rondel brothers still had time for a well-deserved ice cream en route (Richard Rondel).
On the page, Jack told his dad’s story and his noble battle with cancer over the last few years saying: “I want to do this for my dad.”
The walk began on Saturday morning from Le Frégate where the brothers headed out West, walking and jogging clockwise around Jersey to cross the finish line set up in the Weighbridge Square.
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