BLUE ISLANDS ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF FLIGHT FUNDING RECIPIENTS

Last year Blue Islands’ latest round of flight funding offered travel support for many more Channel Island charities, groups and individuals. 

A vast number of applications were received, and Blue Islands is delighted to announce the beneficiaries of the latest programme. 

Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands said, “There was an amazing response from organisations including sports teams and individuals taking part in football, swimming, athletics and more, together with local charities and youth development groups.  

“It was fantastic to read the passion and drive in every application and understand the impact flight funding would have to enable our home island communities to pursue opportunities that may not be possible without the support of flights.” 

Recipients of the fund include Tallulah-Mae (Lula) Rautenbach (12) flew to the Hampshire County Swimming Championships, winning four silver medals and two bronze medals, predominantly in freestyle and backstroke competitions.  

Another recipient, Geoff Martel, recently travelled to Southampton to represent the South West region in an over 75s Walking Football competition. Geoff captained his side to two victories and a draw and has been selected to play for the England team in April. 

Geoff said, “The funding from Blue Islands has made a big difference to the way that I can approach my matches and training. Knowing that my flights are covered has given me the incentive to put the sponsorship to good use.” 

Blue Islands is once again inviting Channel Islands charities, groups and individuals to apply for support to travel off island, as the airline re-opens applications for funding. 

Rob continued, “The applications demonstrate the dedication, commitment and talent in the Channel Islands. We are delighted to invite further applications from worthy beneficiaries, looking to pursue ambitions off-islands, that require support with their travel costs.” 

More details on how to apply can be found at: https://www.blueislands.com/flightfund

Blue Islands is excited to share more individual stories and achievements of flight funding beneficiaries and looks forward to receiving many more applications. Some of the beneficiaries of the current round of flight funding also include: 

• Isla Hall, competing in the U15 Girls category at the Hampshire Cross Country League
• Grace Greenwood, 100m T35 para-athlete, training at the High-Performance Athletics Centre at Loughborough University
• Family First, supporting families who have children in need of off island treatment in a UK hospital.
• Rebecca Hardy-Bishop, S13 classified (visually impaired) para swimmer, travelling to compete in para competitions in the UK
• Marie Thaureux, part of the Jersey Judo Team, training in Bristol
• Luke Holmes, 15-year-old Jersey triathlete, travelling to race in the School Games in Loughborough
• Oakley Francart, fencing athlete, travelling to train in Stratford Upon Avon
• Matthew Deffains, swimmer, travelling for the Swim England National Talent Programme