A GROUP of women have now raised £35,000 towards a new chemotherapy unit at Bronglais Hospital following a 43-mile night-and-day walk.

Dressed as flamingoes, 10 hardy souls braved the hail, rain and wind in the small hours of New Year’s Day as they walked from Trefilan, near Talsarn, to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, with another eight joining them for the return journey.

After departing at 12.15am, the group, called Ar Dramp Dros Driniaeth, arrived at Bronglais at 6.30am, 30 minutes ahead of schedule, where they met Rhian Preece-Jones of the chemotherapy unit and presented staff on Meurig Ward with two hampers — one from Lampeter Organics, and another from the group.

Some of the group completed the entire 43-mile round trip “in extremely hard” conditions, others completed the 20-mile second leg while a further five flamingoes joined the group in Llangwyryfon and New Inn.

The group were joined by first aider Michael Morgan and supporter Aneurin James, and were provided with pit stops where they could have a hot drink, food and a change of clothes.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, organiser Carole Price said the group have now increased their target to £50,000 and are hopeful of a new chemotherapy unit sooner rather than later.

“The challenge was extremely hard but to see the current fundraising total at £35,333 makes it all worth while,” said Carole.

“We arrived back in Felinfach hall to a strong welcoming crowd, some of whom had walked the last mile with us, at 4.45pm having walked for 15-and-a-half hours.

“A tea had been prepared and £597.50 was raised. We were also presented with a cheque for £250 by Dihewyd YFC.”

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