TV star Iolo Williams to walk Welsh coastal path in father's memory
A television star who lost his father after a battle with Alzheimer's will walk the Welsh coastal path in his memory.
Wildlife presenter Iolo Williams, who lives near Newtown, is calling on keen walkers to join him.
The walks along Welsh coastal paths, including Anglesey, will see 72 separate walks taking place on April 16, with hundreds of people walking a total distance of 1,057 miles along the Welsh national coast path – including Offa's Dyke, which goes along the Powys/Shropshire border.
Mr Williams, 53, said: "I admire the ambitious nature of this event around the beautiful coastline of Wales, plus it's a cause that is close to my heart.
"If you love walking, then please do sign up and help this team of volunteers raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Society.
"It would be a real achievement if we could walk the complete coastline in one day."
Mr Williams has had a long career in television, appearing on shows such as Springwatch and Secret Life of Birds.
He also presented a series of shows on S4C and BBC Wales about natural history, nature reserves and birds.
Ian Walker, a volunteer for the event, said his father currently has Alzheimer's.
He said: "My father, Laurie Walker, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia a number of years ago.
"My family has seen first-hand the devastating impact that this disease can have on the person diagnosed, as well as their family and friends.
"The research Alzheimer's Society funds and the support services they provide are crucial.
"A timely diagnosis, specialist care for all and of course the search for a cure is a great motivator for those involved in the Welsh1000walk."
Led by a team of volunteers, many with a personal connection to dementia, the walks will all be led by an experienced walker and will have a maximum of 12 participants in each.
Jeremy Hughes, who is chief executive officer for Alzheimer's Society, said: "I am delighted the Welsh1000walk has chosen to raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Society."
He added: "This ambitious fundraiser is run entirely by volunteers and we would love to see hundreds of people sign up and walk a stretch of the beautiful Welsh coastal path, to help support the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK."
There are currently 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales – more than half have yet to receive a formal diagnosis.
Dementia costs Welsh society £1.4bn per year.
To donate to the cause you can visit justgiving.com/thewelsh1000
You can follow Iolo's progress on Twitter @theWelsh1000
