TWO LOCAL urban exploration creators are preparing to take on an ambitious charity hitchhiking challenge across the entirety of Wales this summer – all in aid of two vital Welsh charities.

On July 13, Shaun from Urban Welsh Explorer alongside Jamie from Abandoned Explore Wales will attempt to travel around Wales entirely by hitchhiking, raising both funds and awareness for the Wales Air Ambulance and the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The challenge aims not only to test endurance and determination, but also to bring communities together while highlighting the incredible work both charities carry out across Wales every day.

Throughout the journey, the pair will be live streaming and posting regular updates across social media, allowing supporters to follow the adventure in real time, interact during the challenge, and help spread awareness for the causes.

The Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency air cover and critical care services across the country, often reaching patients in rural and hard-to-access areas where every second counts.

Meanwhile, the Paul Sartori Foundation offers compassionate hospice-at-home services and vital support for families facing end-of-life care.

Supporters will be able to follow the challenge live through the team’s social media platforms and contribute via their fundraising page.

WEST Wales accountancy firm Ashmole & Co has chosen Alzheimer’s Society as its charity of the year.

The firm, which has thirteen offices across west, mid and south Wales, has raised more than £60,000 for good causes in recent years, including Wales Air Ambulance, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Tenovus Cancer Care and the DPJ Foundation.

Staff will now spend the next 12 months raising money for Alzheimer’s Society through collections, events, dress-down Fridays, cake bakes, running challenges and a sponsored walk later in the year.

The charity supports people affected by dementia, campaigns for better services and funds research into the condition.

Ashmole & Co said staff were keen to support a cause which affects thousands of families across Wales.

Laura Craddock, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Ammanford office, said: “Many of our staff are already aware of the great work done by Alzheimer’s Society and were keen to help raise funds for this worthwhile charity over the next 12 months.

“We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections and events for this extremely worthy cause.”

Alzheimer’s Society says around one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, with that figure expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

In Wales, around 51,000 people are living with dementia, with many still undiagnosed.

The charity says dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and costs the UK economy an estimated £42 billion a year, a figure expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Dan Gee, Regional Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society over the next 12 months.

“There are currently 51,000 people living with dementia in Wales, half of those without a diagnosis. It is the UK’s biggest killer; it affects us all, and it devastates lives.

“Only together can we beat dementia – by giving vital support to those who need it, funding groundbreaking research, and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

“It will take a society to beat dementia, and we thank you for your support.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants was established in 1897 and is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, with offices including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Tenby.

Donations to support the firm’s fundraising can be made through its JustGiving page or directly at any Ashmole & Co office.

Photo caption: Ashmole & Co partners with Dan Gee, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Fundraiser. Pictured from left are Will Hughes and Ian Badham, Partners in the Haverfordwest and Tenby offices; Laura Craddock, Partner in the Ammanford office; Dan Gee from Alzheimer’s Society; Chris Daultrey, Partner in the Swansea office; Ceri Llwyd, Partner in the Llandeilo and Llandovery offices; and Sharon George, Partner in the Carmarthen office.

Lifeboat station pays tribute to ‘a true man of the community’

FISHGUARD RNLI has paid tribute to former volunteer Roy Williams following his death, describing him as a dedicated lifeboatman and respected figure within the local community.

The station announced the sad news on Friday (May 15), saying Roy had given many years of service to the RNLI in Fishguard, spanning several decades.

Roy served as a crew member and Second Mechanic at Fishguard Lifeboat Station from the 1950s through to the 1970s, helping to protect lives at sea during a period of significant change for the service.

In 1979, he took on the role of Honorary Secretary — a position now known as Lifeboat Operations Manager — and continued in the role beyond the naming ceremony of Fishguard’s current all-weather lifeboat, Blue Peter VII.

A 1972 County Echo feature, preserved by Fishguard and Goodwick local history group Hanes Abergwaun, described Cllr Roy Williams, of Commercial House, Goodwick, as the oldest serving member of the crew at that time, with nearly 20 years’ service.

The article said he was a native of Pencaer, an agricultural engineer by profession, Second Mechanic and radio operator on the lifeboat, and also active with the Wales Tourist Board, Fishguard and Goodwick Swimming Club, and Harmony Chapel, Pencaer.

Paying tribute, Fishguard RNLI said Roy had made an important contribution not only to the lifeboat station but to the wider community.

A spokesperson said: “Over the years as a councillor, lifeboat crew and other local clubs he truly was a man of the community.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”

As a mark of respect, the flag at Fishguard Lifeboat Station is being flown at half mast.

Roy is remembered as one of the dedicated volunteers whose commitment helped shape the RNLI presence in north Pembrokeshire over many years.