A woman from Mynytho has raised over £840 for Abersoch RNLI.

Louise Baldwin raised the money by taking part in the Pen Llyn Ultra 2021 on Saturday, 3 July.

Louise, a volunteer at the lifeboat station for many years, started running six years ago at the age of 52. No longer “content with running around the block”, she set herself a new challenge to raise vital funds for the RNLI. And what a challenge that was.

With a mixture of rain, sunshine and wind Louise battled throughout the day to complete the marathon, despite the pain of burning blisters and moments of self-doubt.

When asked what the worst moment of the race was, Louise said: “It took lots of digging deep to stay in the Ultra.

“I developed blisters quite early on with soaked trail shoes.

“It was tough and lonely at times, when faster runners had gone ahead.”

“By the time I reached Edern I was tired and emotional. I started to doubt my ability but didn’t want to pull out as I would be letting down the people who had donated to my fund raising.

“The stretch from Nefyn to Nant Gwrtheyrn was especially tough – lots of tears and more words with myself.

“It was drizzly and misty with wet rocks underfoot and long, waist high grass in places. Having pulled out of the winter Ultra in November 2019 at the bottom of Nant as I was timed out, I was going to have to step up a gear for the trail and hills to follow on this section. Having reached Nant, I was quite emotional.”

Despite the toughness of the challenge there were some highlights.

In addition to the welcoming mug of the “best tasting hot chocolate ever”, Louise praised the “fantastic organisation” of the race.

The “volunteers and marshalling all the way round, together with great support from the local community” were two more highlights, but the best was a surprise visit from grandson, Charlie at Pentre-Uchaf.

“I caught sight of my son and his family and there were tears of joy, some photos and a change back into my trail shoes as my road shoes were too tight with swollen feet,” Louise said.

Louise thanked all who have contributed and friend Jason Large who ran the 75miler and came 3rd for sharing her fundraising link and helping her to raise more money.

Abersoch RNLI fundraising chair, Sue McCann, said: “We are so grateful to Louise for her amazing effort and commitment to raise much needed funds for the lifeboat station. What a challenge to take on. We wonder what will be next?

You can still show your support for Louise by donating to her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnliabersoch-ultramarathon