The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Wales, in partnership with headline sponsor Swansea Building Society, has announced the success of the DofE Wales Gower Walk Challenge, which took place on Saturday, September 9.
The event saw an impressive turnout of 206 participants who completed either a 10-mile or a 22-mile route along the picturesque Rhossili to Mumbles Gower coastline, with an impressive £40,000 raised to support the DofE initiative so far, and donations still rolling in via the event’s dedicated fundraising page.
Swansea Building Society, the proud event sponsor, underwrote the organising costs with a generous donation of £20,000, contributing to the Society’s commitment to donate £100,000 to charities during 2023 as part of its centenary celebrations.
This £20,000 sponsorship means that every penny of the £40,000 raised so far by the participants of the Gower Walk Challenge will go directly to helping young people from the toughest backgrounds in Wales to build life-long belief in themselves through DofE. These experiences aim to equip young people to overcome life’s challenges and thrive, providing them with opportunities to build self-belief, discover their passions, and develop essential life skills.
Notable contributions to the fundraising effort came from the 17 dedicated Swansea Building Society staff members who participated in the walk, while others volunteered at water stations throughout the day. The society also successfully raised close to £6,000 through additional donations, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the DofE’s mission.
One remarkable fundraiser, Nick Longar, the Society’s Head of IT, raised an impressive £1,197 alone, earning him the distinction of ranking third in the league table of money raised.
In addition to Swansea Building Society’s generous support, Swansea City AFC contributed £500, and Swansea.com stadium donated £250 to bolster the fundraising efforts. The event also received substantial donations from a number of local individuals and businesses, further highlighting the community’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young people through the DofE program.
Alun Williams, Chief Executive at Swansea Building Society, said:
“We are profoundly grateful to all the sponsors, participants, and volunteers who made the DofE Wales Gower Walk Challenge a resounding success. This event holds a special place in our hearts as it combines the joy of taking on a remarkable coastal journey with the noble cause of supporting young people in Wales through the DofE program. It’s been a privilege to personally participate alongside friends and colleagues in this memorable challenge. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. Your dedication and generosity will leave a lasting impact on the lives of young people across Wales, helping them develop crucial life skills through the DofE Award program.”
Ian Gwilym, DofE Wales Senior Relationship Manager, added:
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Swansea Building Society and all the sponsors, participants, volunteers, and supporters who came together to make the DofE Wales Gower Walk Challenge an incredible achievement. The event ran seamlessly, thanks to their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. The funds raised will play a pivotal role in enabling young individuals in Wales to embark on a transformative journey through the DofE program. We are truly touched by the community spirit and collective effort that have fuelled the success of this event. Together, we’ve made a significant stride toward empowering young people with essential life skills, equipping them to tackle life’s challenges head-on.”
