Shopping centre staff raise £1k in 1,115-mile charity challenge

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Staff and retailers at Caerphilly’s Castle Court Shopping Centre have raised more than £1,000 after taking on a collective fitness challenge to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

More than 20 participants ran, walked, cycled, or rolled at least a mile every day throughout July.

The fundraiser, named the Castle Conquest, saw the team track their progress by virtually travelling between historic castles across Wales, starting from their base opposite Caerphilly Castle.

They originally aimed to total 620 miles – but nearly doubled this target, achieving a combined 1,115 miles between them.

They also smashed their original fundraising target of £500 by raising £1,001.

Beginning outside Castle Court, opposite Caerphilly Castle, the challenge took participants on a virtual journey across Wales, passing castles in Chepstow, Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech, Pembroke and Cardiff.

“We set ourselves what we thought was an ambitious challenge, but the enthusiasm shown by colleagues, retailers and friends of Castle Court completely exceeded our expectations,” said centre manager Hannah Clark.

“To finish with more than 1,115 miles completed and over £1,000 raised for Wales Air Ambulance is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.

“The virtual castle journey gave everyone a shared goal and made every mile feel like another step around Wales. More importantly, every mile has helped support a charity that provides an essential lifesaving service to communities across the country.”

Ms Clark continued: “It’s also been wonderful to see the positive impact the challenge has had on people’s own wellbeing.

“Spending time outdoors, encouraging one another and working together towards a common goal has created a real sense of team spirit, and some participants have even decided to continue walking or exercising at least a mile every day.”

The fundraising campaign coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Wales Air Ambulance charity – which has attended more than 57,000 missions across Wales since 2001.

The charity relies entirely on public donations and must raise around £13 million every year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles running.

Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance regional fundraising manager said: “We are hugely grateful to Castle Court’s Shopping Centre team for raising just over £1,000 for our lifesaving service.

“It’s fantastic news to hear how much the team enjoyed the challenge and especially that it has inspired some colleagues to continue moving a mile or more each day.”