On 30 / 31 July, Builth Wells businessman Toby Weale will be undertaking the fundraising challenge of challenges and hiking over the hills and mountains from Aberystwyth to Newbridge-on-Wye to raise much needed money for mental health charity Mid & North Powys Mind. The hike is over 43 miles long and will be completed in just two days with an overnight camping stop; and to add to the challenge, Toby and his accompanying friends will be carrying all equipment and supplies on their backs from start to finish!
Toby has been organising, facilitating and taking part in a wide variety outward bound trips, tours and challenges for many years both recreationally and as managing director for his travel business Highway Adventures which he started in 2023. Supporting local grassroots community causes is a big part of the company’s work, so when he heard that Mid & North Powys Mind needed some help, he jumped at the chance!
Mid & North Powys Mind provides free information, support, activities and training to anyone in the area with an interest in mental health and well-being. The charity offers a variety of services including talking therapies such as CBT and counselling, mental health training, peer support groups, bereavement support, a drop-in centre, support for young people aged from 11 to 25 and an ‘in-work’ support service. Mid & North Powys Mind has recently secured funding to purchase and redevelop the Dance Centre in Llandrindod Wells – this will be their permanent home and a welcoming, supportive, safe space for everyone. This funding has enabled the charity to carry out renovation works but unfortunately there’s not enough left over to cover other essential costs such as fixtures, fittings, furniture etc to complete the project and make their new home a truly fit-for-purpose space.
And this is where Toby has stepped in to help…
Speaking of his upcoming exciting fundraising challenge, Toby said:
“Mind is a charity that’s close to my heart and they are doing such fantastic work in my community and all across Mid and North Powys. Sometimes we all need a bit of help and someone to talk to, and our local team are providing that support and lots more. I just love outdoor challenges and can’t wait to get going, and I hope it raises as much money as possible for Mid & North Powys Mind because they really need it to keep on doing what they’re doing. This challenge is going to be a tough one but definitely worth it and I’m really looking forward to sharing every step of the way with everyone, blisters and all!”
Toby and friends will be setting off on their hiking challenge on 30 July from Aberystwyth at around 6am and are due to arrive at the official finish line, The New Inn pub at Newbridge-on-Wye to thunderous applause from supporters on 31 July at 6pm. Supporting Toby and friends in back-up vehicles throughout the challenge will be Toby’s parents Martin and Jess Weale, owners of local coach and travel companies Weales Wheels and JJ Travels, who will be ensuring they successfully complete this epic challenge and make it back safely and in one piece!
If you’d like to find out more about Toby Weale’s ‘Hiking Challenge Fundraiser’ in aid of Mid & North Powys Mind, please visit localgiving.org/fundraising/highwayadventures4mind
