A Bangor man is taking on a 1,062-mile walking challenge to raise money for St John Ambulance Cymru.
Eric Goulden will walk the entire perimeter of Wales, including Offa’s Dyke and the Wales Coast Path, over the next year in aid of the charity.
Eric is a dedicated volunteer for St John Ambulance Cymru and is a current member of the charity’s Holyhead Division.
He has been a volunteer for various organisations for the last 15 years, and after retiring from his engineering career last year, he signed up to St John Ambulance Cymru.
"St John Ambulance Cymru does fantastic work and gives you skills that I believe everyone should have."
Eric is a keen walker and has been training for his challenge by taking on long walks and exercising regularly in his local gym.
He recently took on the first part of his challenge on Offa’s Dyke Path, walking 15-20 miles a day across nine days.
He said: "I met lots of people who were really supportive of St John Ambulance Cymru whilst I was out and about.
"It’s great to not only raise funds for the charity, but to also spread awareness throughout Wales about our work."
His fundraising page has recently surpassed £13,000 and he has been overwhelmed with the support he’s had.
He said: "I’ve enjoyed every moment of my challenge so far and it is heartwarming to know that there is so much goodwill towards St John Ambulance Cymru."
The money Eric is raising will be supporting St John Ambulance Cymru’s lifesaving work in the community, running free first aid demonstrations in schools and community groups, supporting the NHS through essential healthcare schemes and running educational youth programmes for children aged five and over.
He is hoping to start taking on the Wales Coast Path this month, completing the Chester to Chepstow route in four to five day bursts over the next few months.
He is urging the people of Wales to join him on his challenge.
Eric said: "Whether it’s for one day or one mile, anyone is welcome to meet up and walk with me."
To support Eric’s fundraiser and to find out more about his progress, visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/eric-walk-around-wales.
If you’d like to get in touch to walk with Eric, email eric.goulden@holyhead.sjaw.org.uk.
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