Supporting opportunities for Channel Islanders
Blue Islands supports Channel Island charities, groups and individuals to pursue their individual and shared ambitions through funding flights.
We are delighted to support so many worthy beneficiaries through the flight funding programme. Read their stories below.
Latest recipients
Monty Desforges
Guernsey sailor Monty Desforges used his awarded flights to travel to compete in a number sailing events in the UK.
Monty completed four races in the Autumn Series, two qualifiers in Portland, Dorset and an inland championship in Cambridgeshire. He finished 17th in the first, 16th in the second and 14th in the third and fourth races, achieving an impressive 15th overall out of 48 boats.
Monty has represented Great Britain at the Youth European and World championships and will represent Guernsey at the Orkney Island Games.
Monty said:
“Competing away from home this frequently is a huge commitment, and it’s one I would never have been able to undertake without the support from the Blue Islands flight funding.”
Essential Dance
Children's dance school in Jersey, Essential Dance travelled to Southampton to take part in the Winter Wonder Jam competition in Poole.
The high-energy dance school provides fun classes for children aged 3+ in Acro, Ballet, Contemporary and Street dancing. The Winter Wonder Jam was an incredible opportunity for these dancers and their families to travel to perform on a bigger stage
Essential Dance founder, Kerrie Hudson said:
“Thank you so much to Blue Islands for the flight funding. This meant that so many more kids were given the opportunity to travel off island and have this experience.”
Family First
Family First was awarded flights to support Jersey families whose children require medical treatment off-island.
The charity, founded in 2011, supports local families with sick children that need to receive medical treatment at a UK hospital.
Family First visited Southampton Hospital which is frequently used by Jersey families to meet with hospital staff and other service providers, and visit the Ronald McDonald Charity House, where families stay during challenging times.
These funded flights have enabled Family First to provide face-to-face emotional support directly at the hospital.
Chief Executive Officer, Cheryl Dolbel said:
“Seeing the hospital and facilities in person makes a real difference to the service we provide. Thank you, Blue Islands, for making this vital connection possible and helping us enhance the support we provide to families in need.”
Archie Greier
Promising Jersey snooker talent Archie Greier travelled to Southampton to compete in a Cuestars U21 tournament in Salisbury
Archie won the Plate competition, making a 41 break in the final. Archie has since used his awarded flights to compete in a Under 21 snooker tournament in Bournemouth, losing out 2-0 in the final.
Archie said: “I'm really happy I've won this trophy as it was my first tournament at silver level. I'm really determined to win the actual main tournament next time."
Archie's dad, Howard said:
“Thanks to Blue Islands helping Archie with their flight-funding programme this season. It's a huge help to us as a family.”
Guernsey Royal Air Force Cadets
The 201 Overseas (Guernsey) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets travelled to Jersey to liaise with their sister squadron and Southampton to visit RAF Boscombe Down.
In Jersey, the Air Cadets joined the 7 Overseas (Jersey) Squadron to practice marching for their respective Remembrance Sunday parades along with team building exercises and First Aid training.
At Boscombe Down, the Air Cadets flew a loop for the first time with a No. 2 Air Experience Flight, were put through their paces with flight simulator training, and had the experience of being launched to over 1,000 feet in the air in a glider.
Squadron Training Officer Syd Bowsher said:
“We were very pleased to have successfully been allocated these Blue Islands flights from Guernsey and were privileged to be invited to visit the cockpit after landing. Without the sponsorship of these flights, these trips would not have taken place.”
Danny Conchar
Guernsey tennis player Danny Conchar travelled to Southampton for an LTA U12 tournament
Danny progressed to the final of the tournament, winning a silver medal. Since then, Danny has gone on to compete in tennis and padel tennis at U14 level.
Danny's Dad, Stewart said:
“It was a fantastic weekend with some awesome tennis. All the staff at Blue Islands were very accommodating and allowed Danny to show off his medal in the cockpit!”
Chloe Ingrouille
Guernsey footballer Chloe used flights awarded by Blue Islands to travel to a U16 Brighton & Hove Albion Girls Academy training day
Chloe as been training on a monthly basis with the Academy and impressed with a goal in a 6-1 win against the Southern Region U16 girls' side.
She is looking to pursue her ambition of becoming a professional footballer and currently plays for Guernsey FC.
Bradley Andrews-Callec
Jersey athlete Bradley travelled to Birmingham to attend the U20 English Schools Athletics Championships.
Bradley picked up a bronze medal at the event and was first in the country for his age group in the 2000m Steeplechase. He also used the funding to compete in 5K and 10K races in Bath, as he pursues his ambition of competing for Great Britain at the U20 European Championships.
Bradley said:
“I finished 4th overall which I am over the moon about. Blue Islands flight funding makes a big difference. I'd like to make the commonwealth team for Jersey and who knows what else there is for me!”
Amice Anderson & Oakley Francart
Guernsey fencers Amice & Oakley travelled to East Midlands to take part in an Athlete Development Programme Camp with British Fencing.
The Sarnian fencers gained valuable experience during the camp as they pursue their ambitions of competing for GB fencing. Oakley benefitted from sabre fight analysis and went on to win the sabre competition, while Amice honed her sparring technique alongside her peers and coaches.
Oakley said: “I am very grateful for Blue Islands' flight funding. It gives me the opportunity to join training camps and competitions to help me achieve my goals in fencing."
Amice’s mum, Justine said:
“We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Blue Islands who kindly sponsored our GBR athletes’ trips, making travelling with heavy fencing bags effortless – their support is invaluable.”
Megan O'Hanlon
Megan O’Hanlon travelled to Southampton for a Youth Climbing Series competition.
Megan from Guernsey competed in her final Youth Climbing series events, finishing in 9th overall. She now competes in senior competition.
Megan said:
“I was really happy with how I did this year and I have made some great friends along the way. Thanks to Blue Islands for getting me to and from these competitions.”
HANNAH STERRY
Flight funding beneficiary Hannah Sterry travelled to Southampton to compete in the Hampshire County Swimming Championships
Hannah from Jersey is a national level swimmer and cross country runner. She secured 4 golds, a silver and 2 bronze medals at the event.
Hannah said:
“It is so good being able to race off island and the Blue Islands flights make a big difference. The times I got mean I can now race at Regionals and keep progressing this season.”
LEO CARPENTER
Flight funding recipient Leo Carpenter, 11, travelled to Southampton to participate in England Squash South Aspire training sessions and Regional Team Championships.
The Aspire Programme is an opportunity for Leo to train with the best young U13 and U15 players in the South Region under the guidance and instruction of South Aspire coaches. Leo attended four training squads and the Aspire Team Championships using his awarded flights.
Leo represented the South Region in Division 3 of the Regional Team Championships, winning three of his four matches, helping the South Team to a third place finish.
Leo said:
“I absolutely love going to the Aspire training sessions. They really benefit my squash! I am very grateful to Blue Islands for enabling me to attend. I am sure it is going to make a really big difference to my game going forward.”
GYNETTE COWENS
Gynette Cowens from Guernsey used funded flights to travel to a fundraising event for the Walk the Walk breast cancer charity.
Gynette took part in the Nijmegen Marches also known as the Walk of the World, the ultimate team event where the team took on 4 marathons in 4 days!
Gynette said:
“Thank you to Blue Islands for the awarded flights .My fundraising this year has reached £1040.”
Luke Holmes
Jersey triathlete Luke Holmes flew to East Midlands to compete in British Triathlon Super Series events.
Luke finished in 2nd place in a bike and run race at Prestwold Motor Racing track after qualifying in 7th place in a swim time trial at Nottingham University the previous day.
In the Grand Final of the British Super Series at Mallory Park, Luke ended the main race in 4th place, enough to secure 3rd place overall in the series. He also took part in the British Team Relay championships and won a silver medal.
Luke also used awarded flights to represent GB at the European Youth Championship in Spain and has since gone on to compete at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
Luke said:
“The flight funding has meant I can race more often and continue to purse my ambitions within triathlon. Blue Islands flights enabled me to get to and from East Midlands airport, with all the equipment needed for racing, smoothly and efficiently.”
Maverick Bull
Jersey cyclist Maverick Bull travelled to Southampton to compete in a UK BMX race at Knightwood BMX club.
In his first BMX race at the club, 10-year-old Maverick gained invaluable experience, finishing 6th overall.
Maverick said:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to race my BMX as this is not a sport on offer in Jersey. It was a fantastic day and the Blue Islands crew made me feel so welcome too.”
Lucy O'Sullivan
Lucy O’Sullivan recently travelled to East Midlands for the archery GB national tour in Barnsley.
Jersey archer Lucy, who has previously competed at the Island Games and World Cup events, advanced to the 1/8 knockout round on the Saturday of the competition and finished 6th on the Sunday. She is pursuing her ambition to compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Lucy said:
“With the support of Blue Islands, I was able to attend the national tour leg in Barnsley. My goal is to do well at these competitions and to achieve the scores needed to rejoin the GB team.”
Mollie Perrett
Jersey archer Mollie Perrett travelled to represent the University of Plymouth at the British Universities and College Championships.
Mollie finished in 10th place in a Saturday ranking round and 6th place in the match play event on the Sunday.
She has also used her awarded flights to compete in the Outdoor Country Championships, finishing 2nd and the National County Team Championships where she took gold as part of the ladies' team. Mollie has been selected to represent Team Jersey at the Orkney Island Games.
Mollie said:
“Thank you for helping me to compete at this competition. Due to its location and the added entry costs, this event would not have been possible without the support of Blue Islands.”
Ryan Le Monnier
Ryan Le Monnier travelled to a Riding for the Disabled Regional Dressage competitions and training events across the UK.
Ryan, riding Wexford, finished an impressive 3rd in the South West qualifier at a Riding for the Disabled Regional Dressage competition in Cornwall, with an outstanding score of 73% in the Grade 7 walk/trot test.
He went on to travel to Exeter to the Lakefield Equestrian Centre to access lessons and training on a mechanical horse to prepare for an RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) competition.
Ryan hopes to qualify and compete in more events at Para level in the future.
Ryan said:
“Thank you very much to Blue Islands. I'm so grateful for the flight funding giving me the opportunity to train and compete in England.”
HANNAH SILCOCK
We have been delighted to support Guernsey table tennis player and 2023 CI Sports Personality of Year nominee, Hannah Silcock.
With the help of flight funding, Hannah was able to win gold in the British Championships in Bangor and attend training events and competitions across the UK.
Hannah said:
“The help from Blue Islands has been instrumental in developing my table tennis career. The flights have enabled me to get greater experience in both the UK and in Europe, enabling me to play and compete at a higher level.”
Geoff Martel
Geoff Martel used his awarded flights to take part in over 75s regional Walking Football matches and tournaments in the UK.
Geoff captained the South West side to two wins and a draw in an over 75s Walking Football competition. Martel impressed with a goal in his match against the South East of England.
Following the tournament, Geoff was called up to the England side and used his awarded flights to play for England in both Walking Football and Over 75s 11-a-side football.
Geoff went on to captain the England team to victory at the Over 75s Walking Football World Cup in Cardiff in 2024.
Geoff said:
“A big thank you to Blue Islands for all your help and support to get me selected for the England over 75s football teams. A dream come true. Knowing that my flights are covered has given me the incentive to put the sponsorship to good use.”
Channel Islands Air Search
Channel Islands Air Search were awarded flights to Jersey as a beneficiary of Blue Islands flight funding.
The voluntary service provides a vital rapid response air search and rescue service in Channel Island waters. The Air Search team are using funded flights to travel between Guernsey and Jersey to support key training and engineering work.
Search Crew Manager, John Fitzgerald said:
“We are so grateful to Blue Islands for their support. When we have to move pilots and engineers involved with our Search & Rescue aircraft and these flights make a great difference to our team.”
Rebecca Hardy-Bishop
Rebecca is a S13 classified (visually impaired) para swimmer who travelled to compete in Southampton using flights awarded by Blue Islands.
Rebecca took part in the Hampshire ASA Championships and had success, winning four Gold medals. She also competed at the South East Regionals summer championships winning 3 silvers in 400m freestyle, 200IM and 100 fly and a gold in 100 backstroke.
Rebecca competed in the Sussex County Championships, delivering an impressive performance, setting a new British S12 record for 1500m freestyle, achieving qualifying times for the British Championships.
Rebecca said:
“Thank you to Blue Islands for funding these flights as this meant I was able to travel with another person as support staff at poolside. As a S13 para-swimmer this meant for the first time I was able to have a tapper at each end of the lane in a 50m pool, this greatly helped me to hit all my targets.”
Luke and Cameron Gomes
Padel Tennis twins Luke and Cameron used flights awarded by Blue Islands to compete in their first LTA grade 2 competition at the National Tennis Centre.
Luke and Cameron have already achieved success, winning the U18s padel tennis championship in Guernsey. They have used their awarded flights to further develop their game, having also travelled to a GB Youth Training Camp in Derby.
Luke said:
“The flight funding that Blue Islands has provided has been so important for us to begin our padel tennis journey and create vital opportunities for our future.”
Adam Dalton
Adam Dalton recently travelled to Dublin to play in Johnny Reay Classic and The Irish Open for players with disabilities.
As a beneficiary of our flight funding programme, Adam delivered a strong performance, finishing in joint 3rd place in the Stableford division at the Johnny Reay Classic at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Course, despite facing some challenging holes and cold weather. He then went on to finish in 9th place in The Irish Open at Roganstown Golf course.
Adam said:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play in competitions off island. It’s such a privilege to play among so many inspiring players and make more connections with people like myself. I may have a disability but I can also play golf.”
ISLA HALL
As a recipient of flights awarded by Blue Islands, athlete Isla Hall travelled to Southampton to take part in the Hampshire Cross Country League
Isla competed in the Under 15 Girls category over a maximum distance of 4K in the third race of the season. She finished in first place on a challenging course.
Isla also travelled to take part in the Hampshire Athletics 3000m. Competing against athletes up to a senior level, she was the first female overall with a personal best time of 10.54.
Isla said:
“I'm happy that I finished in first place. There are 5 races in the League and if I hadn’t received help from Blue Islands, there would be a chance that I wouldn’t be able to travel to all of them, and not be able to compete and improve.”
Alana Woodhall
Flight funding recipient Alana Woodhall travelled to Birmingham to compete in the Swim England National Summer Championships.
Alana, who also competed at the 2023 Island Games, delivered an impressive performance, winning silver at the event in the 800m Freestyle and reaching the final of the 200m Backstroke, where she finished 7th.
Alana said:
“I would like to say a huge thanks to Blue Islands, my parents and coaching. All the support has allowed me to achieve another special moment in my swimming career that will stay with me forever.”
Chloe Gaudion
Thanks to our flight funding programme, Chloe travelled to Southampton to compete in a Girls Junior Golf competition at Skylark Golf course.
Chloe has also used flight funding to play at the Petersfield Golf Club in Hampshire. She is one of the top Girls Junior and Ladies players in the Channel Islands, having represented Guernsey at the 2023 Island Games. She went on to win the 2024 Island Women's Championship and has previously played for Hampshire at county level.
Chloe's dream is attend a Sports University in the USA to play golf.
Chloe said:
"With the funding from Blue Islands I was able to play on golf courses I had never played on. Given the opportunities to play at different courses other than in Guernsey is a great experience and definitely helps my game of golf.”
Matthew Deffains
15-year-old Matthew Deffains travelled to Birmingham to take part in a Swim England National Youth Development Programme.
Matthew is a member of the Jersey Tigers Swimming Club and has previously competed at the British and English nationals. He was one of four swimmers from the Tigers to be selected for the programme and attended a 3-day residential distance camp in February.
Following to the training camp, Matthew competed at the Island Games and the Youth Commonwealth Games in Tobago.
GRACE GREENWOOD
Para-athlete Grace Greenwood travelled to train at the GB High-Performance Athletics Centre at Loughborough University.
Grace races in the 100m with a T35 Classification for athletes with cerebral palsy. She started running when she was 12 and now represents England and Great Britain.
She hopes the training will help her achieve the ambition of competing at the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics.
Grace is a multi-sport athlete and has also used awarded flights to train at the National Taekwondo Centre in Nottingham.
Grace said:
“It makes such a difference having access to the Loughborough University High Performance Centre. Many thanks to Blue Islands for supporting me on these training weekends and for your continued support of local athletes.”
Tallulah-Mae (Lula) Rautenbach
Lula Rautenbach travelled to Southampton to take part in the Hampshire County Swimming Championships.
The Guernsey swimmer competed against the top girls in her age category in the South East Region, Lula won four silver medals and two bronze medals predominantly in freestyle and backstroke events.
Lula said:
“I would like to thank Blue Islands for providing flights over two weekends. This has helped immensely as last year, my mother and I travelled off island 8 times for swimming. This year I am old enough to take part in Nationals, so that will mean even more flights.”
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