Politicians step out for troop charities

LAST Friday Preseli Pembrokeshire politicians Stephen Crabb MP and Paul Davies AM joined Walk on Wales for the start of its first leg in Pembrokeshire.
The politicians were also joined by local supporters including CSgt Barry John MBE, a serving member of the Armed Forces and well known local artist, who is a keen supporter of Combat Stress, one of the charities that will be benefiting from the funds raised by the ambitious walk.
The walk started on August 25 when the first of 11 relay teams set off on the Wales coastal path finally arriving in St Dogmaels for the start of its journey around Pembrokeshire on Friday.
The Walk on Wales was first developed to remember and acknowledge the contribution of the 50 Welsh Guardsmen who have died on active service since the end of World War Two. The sponsored walk around the Coastal Path aims to raise £1 million for various military charities.
The inaugural hike in Pembrokeshire was commemorated with a dedication service of remembrance led by local fundraiser and team leader, ex-guardsman, Jim Salmon, from St Davids, before setting off on the first 16 mile leg from St Dogmaels to Newport. The walk marked day 36 of the Walk on Wales and was dedicated to the memory of Gdsm Ian Dale.
Commenting after the walk, Stephen Crabb MP said: “I am delighted that I have been able to be here to today in St Dogmaels to welcome Walk on Wales on the start of its journey through Pembrokeshire. Walk on Wales is a fantastic opportunity to not only acknowledge the vital contribution of the Welsh Guards to our country, but to create a legacy that will provide life changing help for both our soldiers and their families.’’
Paul Davies AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: “I’m honoured to take part in the Walk for Wales especially against the beautiful backdrop of the Coastal Path here in Pembrokeshire. There are almost a quarter of a million armed forces veterans in Wales and we all acknowledge and respect the incredible contribution that our armed forces make, even as we speak, on active duty all over the world.”
The Welsh Guards’ Afghanistan Appeal and Combat Stress charities are being supported by the walk.
Walk on Wales continues its journey through Pembrokeshire on the following days:
October 11: St Brides – Dale dedicated to the memory of Gdsm Apete Tuisovorua.
October 12: Dale – Llanstadwell dedicated to the memory of Gdsm Chris Mordecai.
October 13: Llandstadwell – Pwllcrochan dedicated to the memory of Sgt Phil Jones.
October 14: Pwllcrochan – Freshwater West
October 16: Freshwater West – Freshwater East dedicated to the memory of LCpl Chris Frank Ward.
17October 17: Freshwater East – Saundersfoot dedicated to the memory of Gdsm Gareth Poole.