Walk to Freedom for Ukraine

4th April 2022

Porthcawl family departs on gruelling 160-mile hike from north Wales to south Wales in aid of Ukrainian refugees

Today, Monday 7th April, a South Wales family started a 160-mile hike across some of Wales’ most challenging terrain to raise money for British Ukrainian Aid.

Michael, David & Richard Hnyda plan on completing the journey from Caernarfon to Porthcawl in just six days, passing through both Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. The journey is in memory of their Ukrainian Grandfather, Wolodymyr – with the 160 miles representing the distance he would have walked from his village in western Ukraine to the nearest safe border with Poland – The Walk to Freedom.

The trio have raised £24,000 so far for the people of Ukraine and are hopeful that in the week of the walk they will be able to significantly increase the amount to provide medical and humanitarian aid for Ukrainian Refugees.

David said: “Our grandfather fought across Europe for Ukrainian independence. He eventually ended up in South Wales and became a proud adopted Welshman and British Citizen. As young men we recognised his qualities of warmth, kindness, resilience and stoicism; values which are now on display to the world by the brave Ukrainian people.”

“Like most people we were horrified at the scenes following the invasion of Ukraine and knew we needed to do something to help. Walking the same distance our grandfather did in 1942 to escape the occupying Russian regime will give the trek a poignant significance that will make helping the Ukrainian people even more special”

To follow their progress or join them on a leg of the walk, more information can be found at their website: www.walktofreedom.co