A Porthcawl family are currently hiking 160-miles across some of Wales’ most challenging terrain to raise money for British Ukrainian Aid.
Michael, David & Richard Hnyda plan on completing the journey from Caernarfon to Porthcawl in just six days, passing through both Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. The journey is in memory of their Ukrainian Grandfather, Wolodymyr – with the 160 miles representing the distance he would have walked from his village in western Ukraine to the nearest safe border with Poland – The Walk to Freedom.
They are hoping to reach their destination, Porthcawl Rugby Club at 5pm on Saturday.
The trio have so far raised £24,000 for the people of Ukraine and are hopeful they will be able to significantly increase the amount to provide medical and humanitarian aid for Ukrainian Refugees.
David said: “Our grandfather fought across Europe for Ukrainian independence. He eventually ended up in South Wales and became a proud adopted Welshman and British Citizen. As young men we recognised his qualities of warmth, kindness, resilience and stoicism; values which are now on display to the world by the brave Ukrainian people.”
“Like most people we were horrified at the scenes following the invasion of Ukraine and knew we needed to do something to help. Walking the same distance our grandfather did in 1942 to escape the occupying Russian regime will give the trek a poignant significance that will make helping the Ukrainian people even more special”
