A POIGNANT 19-mile sponsored hike to Barmouth Lifeboat Station will take place on the 30th birthday of a brave RNLI volunteer who tragically lost his life.

The walk will take place on 4 March and involve several members of the family of Craig Steadman, a Holyhead lifeboatman who died as a result of a motorcycle accident in 2015.

The arduous trek, between Bronaber and Barmouth lifeboat station, will raise money for the Craig Steadman Lifeboat Fund which is looking to finance a new £24,000 inshore lifeboat for Barmouth RNLI.

Craig Steadman often visited Barmouth throughout his life, especially his childhood, so a lifeboat in his honour there is a particularly fitting tribute.

The event is being organised and led by Craig’s stepmum Sue, and his father Ray, who also worked for Holyhead RNLI, will be acting as official photographer on the day.

“Craig’s 30th birthday would have been on 4 March 2017, so we’re celebrating his life with his friends and family through a fund-raising walk,” explained Sue, who owns a guesthouse in Bronaber.

“We’re trekking from Bronaber to Barmouth and would love for as many people as possible to join us.

“You can either join in the forest section in the morning (around 10.5 miles), the flat Mawddach trail in the afternoon (about 8.5 miles) or the full 19-mile walk.

“If anyone or any local businesses would like to sponsor us you can visit our justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/craigswalk”

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News