Volunteers from Guernsey’s marine ambulance service undertook a challenge to drive a car from St Peter Port to Herm Island as part of a fundraising initiative for the Flying Christine III. The event was a repeat of a similar challenge first carried out in 1993, originally intended to help raise money for the building of the boat.
The volunteer team, made up of experienced mariners and crew from Guernsey’s marine ambulance, prepared the car to make it seaworthy. The fundraising initiative was officially launched at that weekend’s Seafront Sunday (17 May).
Gary Ward, Volunteer Operations Manager and former coxswain, who also took part in a related 1994 event, is leading the project.
He explained that the idea came while the Flying Christine III is undergoing an essential mechanical overhaul: “With the boat undergoing an essential mechanical overhaul, I decided it was a good opportunity to re-enact what Paul Phillips and myself did in 1993. We marinised a car then and sailed it from Guernsey to Sark raising several thousands of pounds. At the time, the new marine ambulance Flying Christine III was being built and funds were very short, so we wanted to do our bit and raise the profile.”
He recalled the original 1993 crossing to Sark: “The crossing to Sark in 1993 was quite pleasant, it took just over two hours and the car stood up well. When we got to Sark, the Sark folk were extremely generous and they towed us around the island behind a tractor.”
Ward added that the current situation mirrors the financial pressures of the past: “We are now 33 years later, in a similar position where funds are much needed, not just for the renovation but for the longer-term financial future. We have almost completed the new car conversion and I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and everyone else who has helped us get this far.”
Paul Phillips, volunteer engineer with the Flying Christine team, also took part in the original challenge alongside Gary Ward, his dog Cass, and Buz White.
He said: “I remember feeling a bit apprehensive when we sailed last time but once we launched, it was a great feeling. We thought replicating this challenge would be a great way to once again raise funds some 33 years later.”
The team is aiming to raise as much money as possible through donations and sponsorship. Donations can be made online at ambulance.gg, by cheque made payable to “St John Ambulance and Rescue Service”, or via a QR code provided by the organisers.
