A CANDLELIT vigil is due to be held in St Helier this weekend in memory of much-loved journalist and broadcaster Gary Burgess, who died on New Year’s Day.
Islanders are encouraged to bring their own candle to the Royal Square on Saturday at 6.30pm in honour of Mr Burgess, who worked for ITV Channel, Channel 103 and the JEP during his career.
Mr Burgess was given a terminal-cancer diagnosis in November 2020 but continued to work for many months after this and wrote uplifting blogs about his cancer journey.
He was named the JEP Pride of Jersey Community Champion of the Year last year.
Islanders Cheyenne O’Connor and Pauline Stoneman are organising the vigil and have encouraged as many people as possible to pay their respects.
They are also hoping to have a live singer playing during the event.
Ms O’Connor said: ‘Everyone is to bring their own candle to light on the evening. There will be a collection bucket which will be passed around and any money raised will be given to a charity of Alan’s [Gary’s husband] choice.’
She added: ‘Everyone knew Gary, whether it was personally or just from watching him on TV.
‘He was a great guy and was well loved.
‘I think the event will be a nice way for everyone to come together and pay their respects to him.’
For more information on the event, visit ‘Remembering Gary’ on Facebook.
