Charity wants sponsors for first big fundraiser

Charity trustee Dave Chalk and his son Viktor completed a Race Across the World challenge

A Jersey charity has called for more sponsors to help launch its first main public fundraiser.

Jersey Employment Trust (JET) helps people with disabilities or long-term health problems find work or vocational training on the island.

It wants to launch the JET Jaunt, an event based on the BBC series Race Across the World, where competitors make long journeys only using public transport without the use of smartphones or credit cards.

The charity said more sponsors were needed to ensure the race went ahead by helping cover some of the costs of putting it on.

Caroline Spencer said the aim of the event was to raise awareness among employers

Caroline Spencer, from JET, said the aim of the event was to raise vital funds and awareness among employers.

She said the challenge was accessible as "anyone could take part if they can use public transport".

The charity said it had worked with Lupine Travel to plan the race, which would see people travel from St Malo to Monaco in September.

Lupine Travel has already run similar events including a London to Istanbul race, which was completed by JET trustee Dave Chalk and his son Viktor.

Mr Chalk said it was "quite challenging" to do with his 11-year-old son but they made "loads of friends that we have kept in touch".

He said it was not about racing but rather "enjoying it and getting out there".

"We would like to find a lead sponsor to make sure the JET Jaunt can go ahead," he said.

Nicholas Ozouf said Jersey Employment Trust changed his life

Nicholas Ozouf, who was born with a rare genetic condition known as Vitamin D resistant rickets, was helped by JET when he was looking for work.

Mr Ozouf, the charity's employment co-ordinator, said the organisation "made a big difference" for him.

He said of the proposed event: "Hopefully it will encourage more people to come and support us so we can keep offering opportunities to our clients for employment which change their lives like it has changed mine."