Six clubs, six challenges, one charity

Over 70 members from across all six clubs of Gwent Young Farmers Clubs took part in the Gwent YFC Chairman’s Challenge throughout this summer to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

At the start of the year Gwent YFC County Chairman, Laura Baker asked each club to set a challenge that she would complete with them throughout the year to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The challenges included a 25 mile bike ride along the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal with Raglan YFC, a very cold ice bucket challenge with Abergavenny YFC, a 13 mile hike on the three castles walk between Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castle with Crucorney YFC, a walk over the Severn Bridge with Wentwood YFC, a 12 hour cyclathon with Usk YFC at Usk Show and finally walking over the 5 bridges of Newport, finishing with climbing the Transporter Bridge with Bedwas YFC.

Across all the challenges, as well as a charity carol service and harvest supper, £3121.02 was raised in sponsorship for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“Alzheimer’s Research UK is a charity I hold close to my heart, having lost my Granny to the disease and in recent years my Aunty has also been diagnosed. Little is known about this growing disease, and there is currently no cure,” explained Laura Baker, Gwent YFC County Chairman.

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK 850,000 are estimated to be living with the disease and this is expected to grow to one million by 2025.

“It was fantastic to take part in all the challenges across the county, I was proud of the enthusiastic members that took part, some as young as 12. We got to cover lots of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside as well,” continued Laura.

“A huge thank you to all our supporters that cheered us along, got involved and sponsored us to raise a great amount of money for such a worthwhile cause.”

A cheque was presented to Ceri Smith, Alzheimer’s Research UK at the Gwent YFC AGM, last month.

Gwent YFC is open to all young people aged between 10-26 years old, with currently 250+ members across six local clubs. Activities range from drama, sport, public speaking, stock judging, training, quizzes, socialising and charitable fund raising. You do not need to have an agricultural background to become a member, if you would like to join contact gwent@wales-yfc.org.uk or 01291 672602.