GlobalWelsh founder and CEO Walter May is raising funds for GlobalWelsh’s Charity Partner of the Year (2022-2023), Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

Walter hopes to raise enough to fund a minimum of 20 Welsh children to attend an Urdd Summer Camp via the charity’s ‘Fund for All’. A fund set up to ensure that every child in Wales gets the opportunity to enjoy a summer holiday, whatever their background or financial circumstance and offers full funding to attend summer camps for those from low-income households.

Setting off from Porto, Portugal, on 4th May, Walter will be walking a 196 mile coastal route along the Camino Portugues (Portuguese Camino), an ancient pilgrim’s route that runs along the Portuguese coast finally ending in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. These walks, carrying a sizeable backpack, are challenging and avoiding leg or foot injuries, especially blisters is a must. Walter hopes to complete the journey in 14 days.

Walter will be joined on his journey by three fellow Welshman and the Urdd mascot, Mr. Urdd and they will be documenting their journey across GlobalWelsh’s social media channels. He said:

“As someone born and raised in Pontypool, I’m well aware of the social and economic challenges that many of Wales’ former industrialised towns face. I am a huge supporter of the Urdd and the work they do to support young people in Wales to build confidence and aspiration. I am excited about this walk and hopefully we can raise enough money to give twenty+ young people a unique and life-changing experience this summer."

FOLLOW WALTER AND MR. URDD'S JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM >>

About the cause...

Did you know that 29% of children in Wales live in poverty? All children deserve to enjoy a summer of making memories with friends in a safe environment, but poverty can prevent children from accessing these experiences. The Urdd want to ensure that all children in Wales have the opportunity to enjoy a summer holiday, whatever their background or financial circumstance.

Since the 1930s, tens of thousands of young people in Wales have attended Urdd summer camps – you may well be one of them! Many of us hold fantastic memories like dancing in the twmpath, jam sandwiches, beach walks and making lifelong friends. The aim of this fund is to offer these unforgettable experiences to a new wave of Welsh youth.

A contribution of £150 would cover all activities and full board for a super summer holiday at one of the Urdd centres of Glan-Llyn, Llangrannog or Cardiff. Every donation no matter how big or small is hugely appreciated.

Diolch yn fawr!