A WOMAN raising money for charity by walking 5,500 miles around the coast of Great Britain said she was welcomed with open arms as she walked through Gwynedd last week.

Despite getting soaked in Aberdyfi, Jane Allen – who served 37 years in the Royal Naval Reserve – said she had been warmly welcomed by well-wishers all the way along the route.

Jane is spending at least the first year of her retirement taking on the Victory Walk challenge, to raise cash for two naval charities close to her heart – the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust.

Accompanying her in the support vehicle is her husband, Frank, a former Royal Marine.

Jane’s trek started from Portsmouth, outside HMS Victory on 21 October 2017, and she hopes to complete her epic journey back in Portsmouth in early summer this year.

Jane said the part of her route in Gwynedd has been full of adventure and kindness.

“After leaving the peace of Pwllheli Marina, I met with a former Wren, Jeannie, who made last-minute­ arrangements for us to park the Victory Van in a large barn,” Jane said.

“As I approached Porthmadog it seemed that people had received advance notice of my arrival.

“Noting that the local police community support officer, Paula, had also served in the Royal Navy, I sensed local intelligence was very well informed.

“At Borth-y-Gest well-wishers waited in the chilly air to make some Victory Walk donations and the local café came out with a steaming mug of much-needed coffee for me.

“Rounding the corner into Porthmadog, I noted that snow had fallen on the hills and mountains above me.

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