THE partner of a climate activist who died earlier this year after a tragic and short battle with cancer has started a 1,100-mile walk around the whole of Wales this summer.

Addie May Swarbrick Schwarz began the mammoth trek, in memory of her late partner, Michael Paulo Dunn, in Powys on May 6, on the Offa’s Dyke Path, traversing its entire 177 miles.

And she has been enjoying the delights of Mid Wales at the start of her quest – on which she will also take in the Wales coastal path and finish by scaling Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

The trek will take Addie May approximately 3 months and she is raising money for climate activism in memory of Michael, who died aged 39 on January 24.

County Times: Addie and Michael met through their XR activism Addie and Michael met through their XR activism (Image: None)

Addie May, 32, will donate the money raised to Extinction Rebellion (XR), Just Stop Oil and the Climate Emergency Fund, supporting non-violent direct protests and actions to put pressure on government and big business to act on the climate and biodiversity breakdown.

The couple met through their activism work with XR and took part in actions around Worcestershire, where Michael was from, as well as in protests across the UK.

“It's been tough so far, sore feet meant I've had to change boots, while cold night-time temperatures meant I've struggled to sleep,” said Addie.

“Most of all, the weight of the grief drags me down; I walk and cry each day. I'm hoping at least the walking will get easier, I know the grief isn't going to for a while.”

The inspiration for her voyage may be heart-break but she’s loved the Powys section of it so far.

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“I just finished Offa's Dyke yesterday (Thursday, May 18), 177 miles,” she added.

“I have passed through Powys, including Knighton, which was the halfway point of Offa's Dyke, Kington, Buttington, Churchstoke, Hay-on-Wye and Llanymynech.

“I’ve camped overnight near each town and enjoyed the Welsh hospitality of churches providing tea and biscuits.

“Powys was great scenery, peaceful and so many cute lambs. I also ended up with biting ants in my pants one day which was painful.”

County Times: Addie's trek has taken her through sunny and picturesque Powys in the first few weeks Addie's trek has taken her through sunny and picturesque Powys in the first few weeks (Image: None)

Michael, with talents in music technology, produced many tracks for Worcestershire XR’s performance art and combined soundscapes and poetry for COP26 radio.

He raised awareness in the local community about sewage pollution, flooding risk due to climate change and held the county council to account on their action on the climate crisis.

He bravely took action in London, climbing five stories up the insurance company Lloyd’s of London building, along with Addie. This shut down their offices for the day and contributed to damaging pipeline insurance not being renewed.

 

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“Michael was the kindest, most generous and thoughtful soul, who always went the extra mile to help people and the planet,” said Addie.

“He inspired and supported his friends and family and we all are missing him dearly. Since his passing friends have stepped up and joined XR in London at ‘The Big One’. He’s still helping to save the world even now.”

Addie will finish her walk climbing Yr Wyddfa – Wales’ highest peak – and second only to Ben Nevis in the UK at 1,085 metres above sea level – which was a favourite place of Michael’s, having climbed it many times.

“The walk will take up to three months, which is tragically the same amount of time that Michael had with us from his terminal oesophageal cancer diagnosis, despite a 10 to 18-month prognosis,” added Addie.

County Times: Addie and Michael are seen here bravely climbing five stories up the insurance company Lloyd’s of London building last year Addie and Michael are seen here bravely climbing five stories up the insurance company Lloyd’s of London building last year

She says the threat of climate change is clear in the latest Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC) report. “There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all,” she said.

“The UN and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have called for an immediate end to new fossil fuel exploration and production and an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

“Yet the UK still are licensing over 100 new oil and gas projects. Recently, wildlife presenter Chris Packham called ‘every last person who cares’ about the planet to join Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.”

She is hoping to raise £10,000, with the tally currently standing just shy of £3,000. Donate to Addie’s campaign, or even join her for a stint of the 1,100 miles, at https://chuffed.org/project/climatewalk or Google ‘chuffed climate walk’.