In October 2020, I attended one of our regular Zoom Wales Branch Chair meetings under the leadership of of our Community Fundraising Manager Lucy Potter.
With all our regular fundraising events suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were all feeling rather despondent. Lucy came up with the idea that we should try a joint sponsored walk of the Wales Coastal path which stretches over 880 miles.
The branches conveniently situated along the coast such as Anglesey, Tenby, Penarth and Swansea would tackle the local coastal paths in their respective regions, whilst inland branches such as Caerphilly and Aberdare would walk equivalent miles in their local areas.
We all rose to the challenge and soon recruited a large assortment of friends, family and supporters to help us.
From 1 st November to Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 11th December we walked a grand total of £2611 miles - that’s 3 times the distance of the Wales Coastal Path. Most importantly we also more than doubled our target of raising £5,000 achieving a grand total of £11,304.
I walked the length of the Vale of Glamorgan Coastal path which is 58 miles and was supported by friend’s other branch members and family along the way.
I was also lucky to be joined by the ladies of our local running group “Women Running Penarth” who ran 7 miles on our behalf, (me included). They dressed up in Christmas jumpers and costumes in support of Christmas Jumper Day.
During some of the most depressing months of the pandemic, it felt that I was doing something really positive to help the work of Save Children during one of its most challenging times. It felt amazing to be part of this group of enthusiastic volunteers who were rising to the challenge and creating a positive experience.
What better way to spend lockdown than walking some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery? We were also taken aback by the generosity of our supporters who were so keen to donate during a time of economic uncertainty. We were delighted with the final total of £11,304.
