Almost £3,000 in sponsorship was handed in by over 200 walkers enjoying the annual rotary Walk the Wye event on Sunday, May 15.

Rotarians and supporters enjoyed the day; despite a shower early in the morning, the footpaths were in excellent condition and the forecast rain held off until all walkers completed their walks.

The walk event was organised by the Rotary Clubs of Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, and Chepstow to raise sponsorship money for the breast cancer research team at Velindre.

Walk co-ordinator, rotarian Norman Williams said: “It was great to see so many walkers enjoying the day, and the various walks that we’d organised. A fifth walk, rising to Penallt old church, had been added this year, and proved to be the most popular walk. The self-guided walks of between 3.5 miles and 13 miles, starting and finishing at Monmouth Show Ground, were much appreciated, as were the excellent views over the valley and to the Welsh hills beyond.”

The Rotary Clubs were grateful to all those who helped make the day a success. In particular Monmouth Show Ground committee for providing the venue for the event, Eagle Plant for site facilities, and St John’s Ambulance personnel for keeping a watchful eye on everybody, and all the walkers.

Phil Richards, President of Monmouth Rotary Club said: “We were very pleased that over 200 walkers chose one of our five walks in the beautiful Wye Valley. With many walkers still collecting donations from their sponsors, it looks like being a very successful event. I ask everybody to give generously, to support both the walkers who made such a tremendous effort, and the breast cancer research team at Velindre.”

Ross rotary is filling up its calendar with many more events this year including the return of the model railway exhibition which is set to take place Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21. More information will become available on the Ross rotary website.

Velindre provide specialist cancer and blood services. Their clinical trials unit at Velindre cancer centre has been running since 1994, they participate in over 200 national and international clinical trials and have specialist research teams.