Hywel Dda Health Charities on planks challenge

Ceredigion Armed Forces veterans who carried out an extremely arduous barrels and plank challenge on Aberystwyth promenade to raise money for the children’s ward at Bronglais Hospital.

Using three barrels and three planks, the team of six travelled the 1.6-mile length of the promenade on bank holiday Saturday. Cheered on by supporters and bank holiday crowds, the group completed the challenge in eight hours.

They started at the south side of Aberystwyth promenade at 9am and caterpillared their way to the north side finishing point, completing the event by kicking the famous bar at the base of Constitution Hill.

The challenge raised a fantastic £770 for Angharad children’s ward and money is still coming in.

Moving the barrels and planks were Kristian Jones (ex-RAF Regiment), Mark Richards (ex-Royal Welch Fusiliers), Gronwy Quinn (ex-Royal Welsh), LCpl George Martin (Royal Engineers), Dorothy Jones and Captain Colin Jones MBE (ex- Royal Welch Fusiliers and Royal Welsh).

Local MP Ben Lake also joined in – spending an hour on the planks and moving 150 metres.

Ceredigion Armed Forces Peer Mentor Colin Jones organised the event, with the support of sub-committee Kelvin Jones, George Barrat and Dorothy Jones.

Colin said: “We wanted to support local charities and what better than to fundraise for the children’s ward at Bronglais Hospital.

“After years of serving within the rank and file of the military our Armed Forces Veterans totally believe in supporting the local community and we are always up for a challenge and thinking out side of the box. The team endured eight hours of repetitive slog, but the team’s determination was always to cross the finish line and kick the bar.”

The team said they wanted to thank local Sea Cadets Holly, Alice and Shaun for their support with the collection buckets, The Hut and PD’s Diner for their hospitality, and everyone who donated and cheered them on.