Walk on Wales: charity walk to cross finish line at Senedd

31 October 2013

An 870-mile charity walk around the Wales Coast Path will cross the finish line at the Senedd on 2 November.

The walk was organised by the charity Walk on Wales, which was set up by two Falklands veterans, Captain Jan Koops and LSgt Dai Graham.

Eleven relay teams have walked the entire length of the coastal path carrying a specially commissioned silver baton which is inscribed with the names of the 50 Welsh Guardsmen who have died serving their country since the end of the Second World War.

Some of the team walked every mile of the route, including Jan Koops, and so far they have raised more than £300,000.

Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding AM, who will welcome them across the finishing line at the Senedd, said: “This is a marvelous achievement by all those who took part.

“And it is a great honour, as Deputy Presiding Officer, to welcome them back to the steps of the Senedd where it all began two months ago.

“It is important that we recognise the sacrifice made by those who have served in the Armed Forces and that we provide the best care and help to those returning from conflict, as well as their families.

“On behalf of everyone at the Assembly, I congratulate all those who took part in this fundraising journey.”

The Deputy Presiding Officer will be joined on the Senedd steps by the former Chief of the Defence Staff Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank, and the Bishop of Llandaff Dr Barry Morgan.

The walkers will also be welcomed back by a guard of honour provided by 2 Company Welsh Guards and the Treorchy Male Voice choir.  They will be led in by a band of the Welsh Guards and Sally Thorneloe and her family.  Sally is the widow of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, the highest-ranking British officer killed on active service for more than a quarter of a century.

"It's been truly an amazing journey for us all,” said Captain Jan Koops.

“The support we've had from all of the communities we've passed through along the way has been incredible. People have given us food and drinks to keep us going and we've been so grateful for that.

“I and three others will have walked the entire 870-mile stretch. What started out as a fundraiser has turned into a pilgrimage, it's fair to say.

“So it's only fitting that we end our remarkable journey back on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff."