A Caerphilly man has completed a 140-mile trek across Wales for charity, mirroring the biblical journey undertaken by Jesus’ family.
On Thursday December 15, Peredur Owen Griffiths, four other Christian Aid workers, and hundreds of supporters completed the 140-mile, 12 day hike from Bethlehem, Carmarthenshire to Yr Aifft (Welsh for Egypt) in Denbighshire.
The trek, which mimicked the story of Jesus’ family’s journey from Bethlehem to Egypt in the Bible, was done in solidarity with refugees fleeing conflict and violence.
The walkers raised over £10,000, and were welcomed upon completion Right Revd Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph, for a special service at St Asaph Cathedral to mark the journey.
Mr Griffiths, Christian Aid’s South Wales and Legacies Coordinator, said: “I had never undertaken anything like this before – I’m not a walker. Yet while the 140-miles was a huge challenge, it was a nothing compared to what millions of people face this Christmas.
“I had time to prepare for my journey, had time to pack my bags, to do some practice and I had safe places to rest along the way. It is so important that we remember those for whom this is not possible – people who have fled for refuge in Greece and Serbia, those displaced in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, but also those in many often-forgotten places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Colombia.
“The money that we’ve raised will be a beacon of hope. Please support if you can.”
Huw Thomas, Head of Christian Aid Wales, added: “We planned this journey to walk in solidarity with those who are suffering and to raise support for Christian Aid’s work that offers a brighter future for many lives worldwide.
“Along the way we have shared stories with communities, churches and schools that offer a glimpse into the desperate situations faced by so many and had the privilege to share about the transformational work Christian Aid does to bring light and hope.
“The humbling reality for us is that the experiences of refugees are worlds away from the experiences of our journey this December. We may never be touched by the same fear of violence. But the response of Welsh communities to the appeal and the hospitality shown truly reflects a welcome for all and a strong desire to play our part in bringing light to some of the darkest places in the world today.”
For information, or to sponsor the walkers, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cymorth-Cristnogol-Cymru or text FFOI60 £2/£5/£10 to 70070.