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Visit the charity's profileA couple from Abertillery are taking part in this years Wales Air Ambulances virtual Walk Wales all the way from Cyprus!
Lawrence Morris, 52, and his wife Julie, 57, are currently staying at their second home in Pernera, south-east Cyprus, where they are aiming to clock 150 miles for the lifesaving Charity.
Walk Wales allows walkers a chance to set themselves a target based on the number of steps they could achieve over a one-month period from the comfort of their own homes.Each target is the equivalent of a walk between iconic Welsh castles and can be achieved at home, in the garden or during exercise, taking the dog for a walk and even going up and down the stairs!
The couple are aiming to virtually walk from Harlech Castle to Cardiff Castle, which is around 343,000 steps.
Reflecting on raising funds for the charity, Lawrence, said: We have been walking regularly over the last 6 months through the lockdowns/restrictions in Cyprus for our health and wellbeing; there have been night-time curfews here and also restrictions on movement where we were only allowed out 3 hours per day after getting permission via text from the authorities. On seeing the challenge advertised on social media, we thought it would be good to set ourselves a goal for the month of June -150 miles, whilst raising some money back in Wales.
Lawrence, who is a former officer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, originally planned to climb Snowdon with his friends Stephen Flower, Stephen Mogford and Andrew Goodenough in June last year but due to the pandemic the fundraiser has been put on hold. The men now hope the climb will go ahead in 2022.
Lawrence, who retired in September 2018, said: I had the opportunity to visit the Wales Air Ambulance base in Cardiff last year with my friends, as we were going to walk up Snowdon as a part of our first fundraising event for the charity, where I also learnt the excellent service that is provided for the children of Wales, which I was unaware of.
Despite the hot temperatures the couple are enjoying the challenge so far and have walked some of the wonderful coastlines in the local resorts of Pernera, Protaras and Kapparis, whilst also visiting and walking in the local town of Paralimini.
We have enjoyed being able to walk some of the wonderful coastline here over the last couple of weeks, whilst feeling proud of the achievement that we are raising money for such a wonderful cause., added Lawrence.
The duo, who travelled to Cyprus in September and decided to stay on the island, are now registered as residents but hope to return to Wales in August after theyve celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.
The pair are delighted to have already raised £340 for the Wales Air Ambulance, Lawrence added: We honestly didnt set ourselves any target for raising money and at first was happy to pay the entrance fees as our donation to the charity, but we have both been amazed at the generosity of some of our family and friends raising over £300 to date.
Wendy McManus, the Charitys South-East Wales Community Fundraiser, said: It is wonderful to hear of fundraisers like Julie and Lawrence who are taking part in our Walk Wales fundraiser in another country. Despite the hot weather, the couple are enjoying clocking the miles to reach their 150mile target.
The beauty of Walk Wales allows the participant to take part virtually from anywhere in the world. Thank you so much to Julie and Lawrence and everyone who has donated to their fundraiser. Theyve so far raised a fantastic £340. We hope you enjoy the rest of the challenge. .
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Who's excited to receive their Walk Wales medals?
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Our team at Wales Air Ambulance love to take part in events and Walk Wales is no exception!
Let's hear from some of the team and their reasons for taking part this June.
Im thrilled that Walk Wales has returned, its the best motivator to get me active! Im taking on the 75 miles challenge so I can include my sidekick puppy Bea the Beagle! - Jane Griffiths
Dewisais 150 milltir fel rhan o fy nod i gwblhau cerdded Llwybr Arfordir Cymru. Hyd yn hyn, rwyf wedi cerdded y rhan fwyaf o adran De Dwyrain Cymru a rhan fach o Sir Benfro. Ym mis Mehefin, rwy'n gobeithio cerdded Penrhyn Llyn yn gyfan! - Catrin
I can't wait for Walk Wales to start. I have chosen the 75 mile challenge. It is a great way to get me moving and keep my fitness level up, while training for the Cardiff Half. - Katie
Rwyn gyffrous iawn i gymryd rhan yn yr Her o gerdded 50 milltir o Gastell Carreg Cennen i Gastell Penfro. Mi fydda i ac Edi y ci allan bob dydd ermwyn cynnal ffitrwydd y ddau ohonom! Maen bwysig i gymryd seibiant or cyfrifiadur yn y dydd am hanner awr! Her o gwahanol filltioredd sydd yn addas i bawb. - Elin
We would love to hear your reasons for entering Walk Wales. Head to our Facebook group or get in touch with your local Community Fundraiser and tell us all about it!
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What distance have you chosen?
With six distances to choose from, Walk Wales is the perfect challenge no matter your age or ability.
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Why not tell all of your friends and family across social media about your progress. It's a great way to gain sponsorship and to keep everyone up to date with how you are getting on.
Head to our Walk Wales page where you can find plenty of social media resources to show your support for Wales Air Ambulance and your Walk Wales progress.
Walk Wales Social Media Resources
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May the Fourth be with you!
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Do you use Strava to track your walks? You can connect the app to your JustGiving page, so you can keep everyone updated on your Walk Wales progress.
Follow these four simple steps to get yourself connected.
Step One: Log on to your JustGiving account and view your Walk Wales fundraising page. Scroll down slightly and select Connect Strava.
Step Two: Log in or register with Strava dont worry, it is free!
Step Three: Confirm some Strava permissions and select / save your Strava preferences.
Step Four: You are good to go! Keep track of your progress and keep everyone up to date with your distances.
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Tuesday 30 June 2020
During lockdown, over 500 people put on their walking shoes to take part in their virtual Walk Wales challenge raising an incredible £32,000.
Despite being restricted to one hour a day of exercise due to the pandemic, 545 participants, of all ages, came out in force to show their support to the lifesaving charity.
The challenge took place over 32 days between April and May. It could be completed in the home, the garden, on a treadmill, taking the dog for a walk or going up and down the stairs, allowing participants to virtually walk the distance of the beautiful landscapes in Wales.
The walkers set themselves a target based on the number of steps they could achieve. The choices ranged from the 9 miles of the Llanberis Path route of Snowdon, to the 52-mile walk between Hay on Wye and Powis Castle.
90 per cent of those who took part were fundraising for the Charity for the first time.
The fundraisers were aged between 4 and 94. A lot of people exceeded their target distances, with some who even doubled or tripled their distance throughout the month.
Seven-year-old Llanelli schoolgirl, Olivia Davies, entered Walk Wales and chose the 52-mile distance dressed as an inflatable unicorn.
Rain or shine, Olivia and her proud mum Gemma spent each day walking to get the miles in. The Stebonheath School pupil is very proud of what she achieved and is ecstatic to have raised £700.
Like many charities across the UK, Wales Air Ambulance has seen a significant decrease in funds, due to fundraising events being cancelled and charity shops being forced to close. The pandemic saw the Charity launch its emergency appeal.
Steffan Anderson-Thomas, the Charitys Events Lead, said: The Virtual Walk Wales challenge has been a massive success. To raise £32,000 in just a month is incredible but to hear that it was the first time 90 per cent of the people taking part had fundraised for us makes it even more special.
The pandemic continues to present us with huge fundraising challenges but the way that the people of Wales have responded to our calls for help has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who took part in Walk Wales to support your lifesaving charity.
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