A DYNAMIC fundraiser has gone the extra miles to support children and young people with disabilities in Wrexham.
David Hughes, better known as Doc, endured a mammoth personal challenge when he walked more than 100 miles in five days of horrendous weather to raise a fantastic total of over £2,200.
It was all in aid of Dynamic, a charity based at Bradbury House, Salisbury Road, Wrexham, who provide out of school activities for children and young people with disabilities.
Doc walked 100 miles to raise money for Dynamic - posting photos each day on social media.
Marie Gibson, liaison officer at Dynamic said: "We can’t thank Doc enough for thinking of us when organising his challenge. We have all enjoyed following his progress online and are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Doc with donations too.
"As a charity we are part funded by the Local Authority but in order to continue to deliver the services we offer, we need to raise an additional 50%.
"These monies will be put to good use and will help us to carry on our vital work supporting local children and young people with disabilities’.
Doc initially began walking to boost his mental health and emotional well-being, but whilst ‘having a wander’ he decided to combine it with fundraising for Dynamic.
During the week he followed a jam-packed itinerary and blogged his progress on his social media accounts. The weather was stormy to say the least and he did get more than a little bit wet!
On completing his challenge Doc said: "I wanted to do the walks throughout the week to help raise awareness of mental health but also to raise money for a local charity that supports young people with disabilities, in turn supporting their families, which is vital for their mental health".
Launching his campaign page, Doc added that walking has done wonders for his own life.
He said: "Over the last couple of years my mental health has taken an absolute battering which in turn has meant all aspects of my life has been turned upside down and inside out. In September 2020, I started 'Just Having A Wander', where I would go and visit the beautiful countryside and the industrial heritage of Wrexham. From being somebody who would make a sloth look energetic, I am now regularly walking 30-50 miles a week.
"Walking has quite simply saved my life."
You can still support Doc by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-doc-hughes1
Using footpaths and bridleways whenever possible, Doc's 100 mile walk took him to many famous landmarks and historical sites in Wrexham.
His walks included:
- Five Slags Heaps of Wrexham - Having a wander around the remaining slag heaps in Llay, Gwersyllt, Gresford, Bersham and Hafod
- Revolution Wrexham - Having a wander looking at the industrial revolution in Minera, Brymbo and Bersham and also looking at the first lager produced in the UK along with the oldest international football ground in the world
- Wander the Wats Dyke Way - Having a wander down the Wats Dyke Way in Wrexham starting off in Llay and walking to Erbistock and the Shropshire Border finishing at Halton
- rexham Country Parks - Having a wander around 11 of the 13 country parks in Wrexham from Alyn Waters to Brynkanillt via Ty Mawr, Nant Mill, Alyn Waters, Brynkinallt to name but four (I can't do Acton/Bellevue because of time but I will be passing those on other routes)
- 14th May Castle to Castle - Having a wander from Caergwrle Castle to Holt Castle and return via Gresford as AJ is making me a nice brew
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