Farmers’ Union of Wales members and friends tackled the Wales Coast Path during a huge sponsored walk to raise funds for children’s hospice charities T? Hafan and T? Gobaith.
The challenging event took place on Saturday and Sunday September 13 and 14 when teams of union members, staff and friends embarked on various walks along the whole length of the Wales Coast Path to boost funds for both charities for FUW president Emyr Jones’ 2014 charity appeal.
Mr Jones said: “The idea of covering every section of the Wales Coast Path was a huge challenge and I must thank the volunteers who helped us cover the miles on foot and offered support to our walkers. I had no doubt that, with the enthusiasm and support of union staff, members and friends, it could be achieved.
“Around 90 teams were involved over the weekend and we managed to raise around £5,000, with money still coming in. The pictures sent in from all the counties are truly wonderful and a selection can be viewed on the FUW Facebook page.”
Members, family and friends of FUW’s Denbighshire and Flintshire branches enjoyed a glorious day whilst undertaking their coastal path section on Saturday September 13.
Over 50 walkers tackled the 60-odd miles between Chester and Conwy in sections up to nine miles and enjoyed some interesting and varied views along the Dee Estuary and North Wales coast.
FUW Denbighshire and Flintshire county executive officer Rhys Roberts said: “Following the day’s walking we held a social evening at Denbigh Rugby Club where members and friends gathered to enjoy a superb hog roast prepared by Denbigh butcher Glyn Davies accompanied by salads and puddings donated by the ladies committees of both counties.
“After the food, guests were royally entertained by comedian Dilwyn Pierce and Cor Meibion Bro Aled, whose members also walked in aid of the charities and raised £1,230 for the cause.
“The walk and the evening were an outstanding success and I thank all those that participated in the two events for their time and commitment to raising funds for this most worthy of causes, and especially the choir and Dilwyn for the evening’s entertainment.
“In total, once all the sponsorship money has been collected, I hope the day will have raised in the region of £3,000,” added Mr Roberts.
After the walk in Montgomeryshire, FUW county chairman Mark Williams said: “An early rise on Sunday morning September 14 saw the fish jumping at Dyfi Bridge and FUW Montgomeryshire members and staff along with family and friends as they set out across Dyfi Bridge in Machynlleth to walk the Coast Path to Clarach Bay.
“The route covered a distance of over 20 miles and the 10 more experienced walkers of our team undertook the whole route while six started at Tre’r Ddol and completed the 10-mile walk into Clarach.
“I joined the walk at Tre’r Ddol and we had a beautiful day with spectacular views and a challenging terrain. I would like to congratulate Ellen Fowles and Ceris Jones, both eight years old, on completing the 10-mile trip with me.
“I would also like to thank Bryan Jones for his support in providing the recovery service for those who failed to make the final stretch from Borth to Clarach.”
First to complete the challenge in Montgomeryshire was Sue Pope, of Llangurig, with 11 participants completing their routes.
FUW Montgomeryshire county executive officer Susan Jones said: “It was great to have area officer David Lush and his wife Dawn on board for this challenge and area officer Nia Wyn Evans completed the route, stating that it was harder than walking up Cadar Idris.
“I would also like to thank everyone for their sponsorship and support. We were also very grateful to Glan y Môr Leisure Park at Clarach for allowing us to put up our support tent so that refreshments and drinks were available when the walkers came in.”