Eric Goulden from Bangor is taking on an extra special fundraising challenge in aid of St John Ambulance Cymru over the next year, having committed to walking the entire perimeter of Wales, including Offa’s Dyke and the Wales Coast Path.
As a dedicated volunteer for the charity, Eric is passionate about supporting St John Ambulance Cymru’s work in the community and is going over and above with his fundraising efforts.
Eric is a current member of the charity’s Holyhead Division and has been a volunteer for various organisations for the last 15 years. After retiring from his engineering career last year, Eric was seeking a hands-on volunteering opportunity, so signed up to St John Ambulance Cymru.
He said: “I was really inspired by Simon, our Divisional Officer in Charge, as he is just so committed. St John Ambulance Cymru does fantastic work and gives you skills that I believe everyone should have.”
Eric is taking on his huge 1062-mile walking challenge to raise essential funds for the charity. “I wanted to do something different to support St John Ambulance Cymru. The charity does vital work in the community, taking pressure from the NHS and sharing lifesaving skills” he said.
Eric is a keen walker and has been training for his challenge by taking on long walks and exercising regularly in his local gym. Recently, he took on the first part of his challenge on Offa’s Dyke Path, walking 15-20 miles a day across 9 days.
He added: “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.”
Eric is hoping to start taking on the Wales Coast Path in September, completing the Chester to Chepstow route in 4-5 day bursts over the next few months. He is urging the people of Wales to join him on his challenge.
“Whether it’s for one day or one mile, anyone is welcome to meet up and walk with me,” he added.
Eric’s fundraising page recently surpassed £13,000 and he has been overwhelmed with the support he’s had. “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 5+.
To support Eric’s fundraiser and to find out more about his progress, please visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/eric-walk-around-wales.
If you’d like to get in touch to walk with Eric, please reach out to him via email [email protected].
If you’d like to get involved in a fundraising challenge for the first aid charity for Wales, please visit www.sjacymru.org.uk to find out more.
