A Llanidloes couple are set to embark on an epic 247-mile walk next week "for the people of Wales" to help raise £1,500 to keep the Wales Air Ambulances flying.
Julie and Richard Siddons have chosen to walk the Pennine Journey which will be divided into 18 daily stages of varying lengths starting on Monday (June 12).
The couple said: "Living in rural mid Wales their service is essential in transporting critically ill patients to distant hospitals. So we need to keep them flying.
OTHER NEWS:
- New Welshpool bank hub to be in prominent town centre building, MP confirms
- Welsh Government confirms when it expects delayed Dyfi Bridge to be finished
- A Powys farmhouse with "breath taking" views and its own swimming pool up for sale
"Enjoying the outdoors often walking in remote areas makes you recognise the importance of this service. We hope others feel that they too can donate to this worthy cause."
Julie and Richard said they were inspired by a circular walk completed by fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright in 1938. The modern walk has recreated the walk using public rights of way and trails with a Wainwright connection, but not the roads that he used himself.
"Starting in the market town of Settle in North Yorkshire the route heads up the eastern side of the Pennines through the delightful Yorkshire Dales," the couple said. "It takes in stretches of County Durham before arriving at Hadrian’s Wall. The Wall is followed for 21 miles before heading down the western side of the Pennines. Travelling down the Eden Valley and then skirting the Howgill Fells it arrives back in Settle.
"We have chosen to support Air Ambulance Wales as our charity. This charity is funded by the people of Wales for the people of Wales. It operates some of the most advanced air ambulances in the UK, saving precious time and lives. They rely entirely on our charitable donations to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road across Wales."
To share your support for Julie and Richard, visit their fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/barneys55
Want to stay up to date with all the latest stories from Powys? Click here to sign up for our morning and daily email newsletters and click on the + for the ‘Morning Briefing’ and the 'Daily Catch-Up'.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here