Rhian and Helen complete 1,047-mile Wales walking challenge for CTM NHS Charity
Two fundraisers with Rhondda roots have completed an incredible 1,047-mile walking challenge around the perimeter of Wales, raising £2,000 for CTM NHS Charity and the Intensive Care Unit at Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
Rhian Williams and Helen Brace finished their challenge in May at the Offa’s Dyke monument in Prestatyn, after walking the final 54 miles of the Offa’s Dyke Path.
By completing this final stretch, Rhian and Helen became official “Completers”, having walked the full 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path and the 177 miles of the Offa’s Dyke Path, which together form the full perimeter of Wales.
Their final week was both challenging and rewarding, taking them through the steep Clwydian Hills in cold, windy and wet weather. Most days covered between eight and ten miles, with one particularly demanding walk from Trefonen to Pontcysyllte reaching around 15 miles.
Rhian and Helen originally set out to raise £1,047, marking one pound for every mile of their challenge. After exceeding this target, they set a new goal of £1,600 after learning this was the minimum cost of one day’s care for one person in ICU.
Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, they have now raised over £2,000 including Gift Aid, for CTM NHS Charity in support of Royal Glamorgan Hospital ICU.
Their fundraising was inspired by the care her husband, Nick, received at Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Nick spent time in the hospital’s ICU and High Dependency Unit (HDU), and Rhian wanted to give something back to the teams who cared for him.
Rhian said:
“My husband, whose life was saved by the care of the wonderful staff in the Royal Glamorgan ICU and HDU, along with the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors, is making good progress and was cheering us on all the way.
We are so grateful for the support and encouragement our donors have given us. The final stretch was very challenging, especially through the Clwydian Hills, but it was also incredibly rewarding to finish the full 1,047 miles.”
Abe Sampson, Head of Charity for CTM NHS Charity, said:
“Rhian and Helen’s achievement is absolutely incredible. Walking the full perimeter of Wales is a huge challenge, and to complete it while raising funds for Royal Glamorgan Hospital ICU and our charity is a wonderful way to say thank you.
We are very grateful to Rhian, Helen and everyone who has supported their fundraising. Their donation to CTM NHS Charity will help fund practical improvements to make things better for local patients, families and staff at the ICU.”
CTM NHS Charity helps make things better for patients, families and NHS staff across Cwm Taf Morgannwg. Every pound donated stays local and helps fund practical improvements that make a real difference across local hospitals and NHS services. Together, we make good things happen.
You can support Rhian and Helen’s fundraiser on the Just Giving website.