A team of lawyers and planning experts based in North Wales and Shropshire are putting their best foot forward during the coronavirus lockdown – by completing a ‘Round Wales Walk’ of more than 1,000 miles.
Although the majority of people are working from home, regular exercise is permitted, and the team from Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors and Cadnant Planning are using their time outdoors to raise money for a good cause.
A group of 17 staff members from each business, 10 from Lanyon Bowdler and seven from Cadnant, are undertaking the “lockdown challenge” to run or walk the length of the Wales Coastal Path and Offa’s Dyke – a total of 1,047 miles.
The team began the challenge on Saturday April 25, and are aiming to complete the feat by May 14, meaning each team member will need to walk at least three miles a day.
People are being asked to sponsor the challenge, with all money raised going to Hope House, which includes Conwy-based Ty Gobaith, and St David’s Hospice.
Sioned Edwards, of Cadnant Planning, said the idea was born from a desire to help local charities who had seen so many fundraising events cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.
She said: “Had this situation not be upon us, we would have been supporting these charities through dinners and events. They aren’t happening now but we’d still like to do our bit to support them.
“We wanted to organise a challenge which would also benefit the well-being of our teams. Exercising outdoors has become a really valued part of our day and it’s really beneficial for our mental well-being during these difficult times.
“Having a challenge like this gives you an extra motivation to push yourself a little harder each day, so we are all looking forward to getting started.”
The challenge is particularly special for Brian Evans, managing partner at Lanyon Bowdler, who is combining it with celebrations for his 50th birthday.
He said: “I was planning to mark my half century this year by walking the Speyside Way in Scotland. That obviously isn’t happening now, so by getting involved with this challenge I will at least still walk the miles – just with rather different surroundings!
“Hopefully we can raise some much-needed funds for Hope House and St David’s Hospice at the same time, which would be fantastic.”
Edward Nutting, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s Conwy office, added: “Charities like Hope House and St David’s Hospice are hugely important to many of us in North Wales and Shropshire, and they face serious difficulties in raising enough funds to continue providing their vital services.
“The miles will be completed by a combination of people walking their dogs, running on a treadmill, or jogging around their neighbourhood – we are of course being extremely careful not to go beyond what is currently allowed.
“We would be very grateful if people would be kind enough to donate some sponsorship money, which will help these fantastic charities continue with their excellent work.
“We will be keeping people updated on the challenge through the Lanyon Bowdler and Cadnant social media channels, so I suggest logging on to see how we get on!”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoundWalesWalk