Supporting Volunteering at C8: Volunteers’ Week Spotlight on Barny Hamon

At C8, our team is at the heart of everything we do- and that means celebrating their passions both on and off the job.

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re highlighting the incredible contribution of Barny Hamon, Plumber and Contracts Manager with us since 2021 and a long-serving volunteer with Guernsey Cliff Rescue.

Barny joined the Guernsey Mountaineering Club in 2015, discovering a passion for climbing and the outdoor community. Just six months later, he joined Guernsey Cliff Rescue - motivated by a deep belief that climbers should support one another: “As a climber, I’d want someone to rescue me if I was in trouble - and as a rescuer, I want to help others.”

Since 2018, Cliff Rescue has operated as a volunteer arm of the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service. Entirely reliant on charitable donations, it plays a critical role in island safety, rescuing people and pets from cliffs, tides, and inaccessible terrain.

Barny now co-leads the organisation with David Richings - David looks after training, while Barny is responsible for vital equipment. They are hoping to establish a “Friends of Guernsey Cliff Rescue” group to improve fundraising capacity, especially given that the group is not a registered charity. Equipment needs frequent renewal, and staying up to date with the latest gear is essential for safety and success.

One of Barny’s most memorable rescues? A fellow team member who had fallen and broken both wrists while climbing at the Gouffre. The team stretchered him to safety and transferred him to an awaiting lifeboat and a full recovery - an experience that reflects the intense camaraderie and high stakes of this voluntary work.

At C8, we’re proud to back Barny and give him the flexibility to respond quickly when called. Rescues can take up to 6 hours, and our team is always ready to support him in helping others.

Ian Le Sauvage, Director at C8, says:

“We’re proud of Barny’s dedication and pleased that C8 can support our people in giving back to their community. Volunteering like this takes commitment, bravery and selflessness - and that’s something we truly value across our team.”

Barny describes his role in three words: “Rewarding, empowering, and worthwhile.”

He encourages anyone interested in volunteering to reach out - “Enthusiasm is the most important thing. We’ll train you.”