A sponsored walk by Shropshire Young Farmers in aid of the Shropshire Star’s Flying Doctor Appeal threatened to become more like a sponsored wade as they endured heavy rain and flooding on their 60-mile trek.
The 14-strong group arrived in time for the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells, raising £3,500, with more cash still coming in.
Their “Walk to the Welsh” effort started at the county YFC office in Shrewsbury on Friday at 6.30am.
It covered roads and country lanes, but as far as possible was arranged to follow public footpaths including the Shropshire Way, Jack Mytton Way and Offa’s Dyke.
The route was planned by immediate past president Aubrey Jones.
“As well as the steep hills that had to be climbed, the weather particularly on the first day proved to be an additional challenge,” said a YFC spokesman.
“Many will remember Friday as an exceptionally wet day. However, the intrepid Shropshire YFC walkers just got into their stride and had covered the 26 miles from Shrewsbury to Clun in eleven-and-a-half hours.
“When they arrived in Clun at 6pm flood water was accumulating in the Clun valley and roads were being closed due to the torrential rain and local flooding.
“Prior to starting on Saturday they had to assess if it was possible and even safe to continue. Due to the severe floods in Clun, only with the assistance of 4×4 vehicles could the walkers - who had been staying with Clun YFC members and local families - be picked up to start the journey.
“The flood water was so deep at the Clun Bridge that a tractor had to be brought in to transport the YFC walkers onto the Knighton side of the Clun Bridge for the next stage of the journey. The final day, Sunday, was thankfully less eventful so gave the walkers time to enjoy the beautiful Welsh scenery.” For details on the YFC call the county office on (01743) 254689.
* Read all about our appeal here and print off a donation form here.
* Have you got something planned to support our Flying Doctor Appeal? Then don’t forget to let us know about it so we can highlight your effort. Drop a line to: Toby Neal, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire TF1 5HU, phone (01952) 241458, or e-mail tneal@shropshirestar.co.uk
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