In the run up to Christmas Jumper Day (December 11) members of the Save the Children Tenby branch joined volunteers across Wales in a challenge to walk the length of the Wales Coastal Path – a whopping 870 miles between them.

Their efforts will help support some of the world’s most vulnerable children in Wales and around the world.

Now in its ninth year, Christmas Jumper Day has raised an amazing £25.1million!

Caroline Williams, Chair of the Tenby Branch of Save the Children said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every one of us.

“For millions of children their lives changed overnight as schools closed, routine healthcare stopped and the ability to protect children and keep them safe paused.

“Children here in Wales are also suffering from the economic hardships as a direct result from the pandemic.

“Recent research by Save the Children revealed that more than a half of families in Wales on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits have had to cut back on essentials such as food for adults, heating and electricity, and on items for children such as winter clothes, and this is especially true for families in Pembrokeshire.

“When the crisis hit, Save the Children kicked into action immediately carrying out life-saving work across the globe.

But due to the pandemic the charity also faces challenges with its revenue expected to fall by millions of pounds this year due to volunteers being unable to raise money.

“That is why, as volunteers in Wales, we came together to see what we could do and ultimately set ourselves the challenge of walking the length of the Wales Coastal Path between us in the lead up to our big annual fundraising day, Christmas Jumper Day on December 11.

“Our walkers range in age from young children to supporters in their eighties who were out walking in all weathers often on difficult terrai, some of us in our Christmas Jumpers too!” she continued.

“I am delighted to report that we have smashed the task of 870 miles and have to date walked 2,650 miles collectively.

“We also set ourselves the challenge of raising £5,000 which we have also smashed and are now over £10,000!” added Caroline,

Lucy Potter, Community Fundraising Manager for Save the Children in Wales who also took part in the challenge added: “We’re so grateful to our volunteers for coming up with such innovative ideas on how to raise money in the face of the current challenges.

“Taking part in this walking challenge has been a great way of appreciating the beautiful scenery on our doorstep and with every step knowing that we are all helping to make a difference to the lives of families that need our help, now more than ever.

To support and donate to the Team Save Walk Wales please visit the following webpage: www.justgiving.com/team/TeamSaveWalkWales