A CHARITY on the Llyn Peninsula has been awarded £12,000.

The money has been given to the Felin Fach Centre in Pwllheli from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme.

The centre supports people in Dwyfor with mental health, alcohol and drug-related issues and is a valuable resource for both users and their friends and family.

Morfa Nefyn pensioner John Jackson, who had never flown before, took on a daredevil wing walk last year to raise money for the charity close to his heart for helping his wife, Jenny.

And the plucky 73-year-old had hoped to raise more money for the centre with a loop the loop wing walk last Tuesday, but bad weather led to the cancellation of the fundraising event.

The Felin Fach Centre provides a range of services including confidential information and support, as well as socialising opportunities for people who live in the area.

The centre operates an open door drop-in service (no referrals necessary) Tuesday to Friday. During drop-in you can get information on various matters concerning mental health, alcohol or drugs, as well as support with issues such as homelessness, filling in forms and contacting care agencies. There is also a craft work class.

The funding is part of £568,000 shared between seven community projects in North Wales.

The government’s Community Facilities Programme funds well-used amenities to improve sustainability, providing opportunities for local people as part of their day-to-day lives.

Jane Hutt, minister for social justice, said: “As always it is fantastic to see such a range of projects and organisations from across Wales benefitting their local communities thanks to this funding.

“After the last 20 months and now more so then ever, our communities and the wonderful facilities within them are centres for bringing people together and building back a stronger, fairer Wales for all.”

Applications for the Community Facilities Programme are open year-round and organisations can find out more by searching for Community Facilities Programme on gov.wales

Meanwhile, daredevil pensioner John Jackson, who had hoped to raise money for the Felin Fach Centre with a daring loop the loop charity wing walk last Tuesday, has spoken of his disappointment at the cancellation of the event.

Bad weather forced the cancellation of Mr Jackson’s fundraiser.

The 73-year-old said: “I’m afraid things did not go as planned.

“The weather was against us. There was a heavy grey sky across the airfield from horizon to horizon.

“The pilot explained that the cloud base was too low, and what made it worse was that it began to rain.

“We waited all afternoon in the hope that things might improve; the aircraft standing, wheels chocked, ready to go, and much coffee was drunk. At around 4.30pm it was decided to call it a day.”

He added: “This week marks the end of the season for wing walking. I find this a difficult situation with the money raised having reached £427 to date, and of course the need for me to come through with the goods, and complete the Loop the Loop. The next season begins in April 2022, and I will have to re-schedule for then.”