Rev Emyr Gwyn doesn’t consider himself an athlete. But over the past few weeks, the 60‑something minister from Gellimanwydd Church in Ammanford quietly clocked up 100 miles on foot — raising more than £1,100 for international charity Christian Aid and bringing together friends, congregations and communities along the way.
His challenge took him across rural Carmarthenshire, along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, and beside the River Towy. He walked with friends from local churches, shared stories over footpaths and flask breaks, and ended the final stretch with a celebration at Gellimanwydd Chapel.
“Quite an achievement for someone 60+”
Rev Gwyn said the walks were a chance to reflect, connect and give back:
“I loved the quiet rural roads and the beautiful scenery. There were no major challenges but one needed to be disciplined; there are harder tasks than this but walking 100 miles – which took almost 40 hours to complete – is quite an achievement for a person who’s 60+ and a good way to keep fit.
My thanks to everyone who sponsored me for such a worthy cause.”
A cause close to home
While the fundraising total — £1,172.50 — will support Christian Aid’s global work, the challenge itself was rooted in local connection. Gwyn’s walks were joined by friends from Ammanford churches, and the final gathering at Gellimanwydd Chapel was a moment of shared pride.
Christian Aid’s Church Engagement Officer, Llinos Roberts, joined the celebration to thank the group and speak about the charity’s latest appeals.
From Ammanford to the world
Founded in 1945, Christian Aid supports communities facing poverty, injustice and climate crisis. Last year, it worked with 260 partners to reach 4.5 million people worldwide.
But for Rev Gwyn, the challenge was about more than numbers. It was about showing that small steps — taken with purpose — can make a difference.
