THREE women from Criccieth have raised over £1,200 for an outdoor classroom project in the town by walking 50 kilometres in one day.

Debbie Jepson planned the walk as part of a ‘50 50s for 50’ for which she is taking part in 50 activities for her 50th birthday this year.

This has included challenges such as reading 50 books.

The money has been raised for Gwarchodfa Cyf to furnish an outdoor classroom and therapeutic garden.

The group runs interactive sessions with rehomed and rescued animals, alongside regular volunteer afternoons in their garden. Through visits, people can learn about animal care, the environment and ecosystems.

Debbie walked from Menai Bridge to Criccieth on Monday, 21 June.

She was joined on the walk by friends Jan Lloyd Nicholson and Beth Bentley

Debbie said: “The weather was perfect for us and we kept up a steady pace from 6am to 8pm.

“Friends joined us at various points along the way which was really encouraging and The Galeri in Caernarfon kindly gave us tea and bara brith as we passed which gave us a huge boost.

“Unfortunately Beth had an allergic reaction to an insect bite and was unable to make it to the finish line. We were all very concerned and of course so disappointed that she had to miss the home stretch.

“Fortunately our lovely friend Louise Howe had just turned up with an extremely welcome jug of iced fresh fruit lemonade, so she was able to rescue Beth and take her home.

“Beth, Louise, Jan and I started the Woolly Hatters swimming group with some friends in 2019.

“We timed the walk to coincide with the regular Monday evening dip and were greeted with applause, smiles and most importantly cake!”

To donate to Debbie’s page, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfund ing/gwarchodfa-cyf?