THREE men from Dolgellau walked from Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor to Dolgellau, to raise money for the hospital.

Alun Wyn Jones and friends Dewi Thomas and Rhys Roberts walked 52 miles on 25 and 26 June in memory of Alun’s mum Ceri who died from cancer earlier this year.

They left Ysbyty Gwynedd just before 6am on Friday morning and, having travelled a few miles on road, made their way to the mountain paths, venturing over Y Garn and Glyder Fawr and to Pen y Pass.

They followed the path down to Llyn Gwynant before crossing the road and up the mountains again towards the direction of Tanygrisiau.

They said: “Weather conditions were terrible and progress slower than anticipated, but we were greeted by partners, family and friends and were so glad to see the back of the first 26 miles.

“After a few hours’ sleep it was another early start on Saturday morning, leaving Tanygrisiau at 5am.

“The next section took us to Maentwrog and along the road towards Gellilydan before going cross country towards the Trawsfynydd Lake main dam.”

There they joined the lake path and arrived at the end of this section by the footbridge car park. They arrived just after 9am to be greeted by friends and family and some welcome food and drink.

The last section took them along the bottom of the Rhinog mountains to Coed y Brenin and Ganllwyd and across to Llanelltyd.

There they dropped down to the old bridge before joining the Mawddach trail and finally on to Dolgellau Rugby Club.

The walk had been due to take place at the end of August 2020 but Alun had his appendix removed earlier that month.

His mum, Ceri, had been cared for at Alaw Unit and Alan wanted to do something to raise money to thank staff there.

Alun and his family hoped to raise £2,000 for the unit, but the total stands at just over £4,000 and he would like to thank everyone for their support before, during and the sponsored walk.