Six groups of St David’s Hospice supporters took on the Great Orme Goat Challenge and have raised an incredible £8000!

The challenge invited people to run, walk or cycle as many loops of the Great Orme as they could.

Ranging from a twenty-four challenge to cycling the Orme daily to a boat ride around Llandudno’s headland the challenges throughout August were varied.

Braving storms and downpours the GOG Girls, part of the GOG Triathlon Club, came together to support their local hospice. Throughout the month one of the ladies’ team cycled ran, or walked a lap around the Great Orme to raise much-needed funds.

To cap the month off, the whole club came together to take on a 24-hour challenge where at least one runner and one cyclist went around the Orme throughout the day and night.

Organiser and club member, Ceri Hughes said: “Bringing people together in this way creates an amazing atmosphere to help an incredible charity. We were absolutely buzzing after the event which was a resounding success.

“St David’s Hospice is close to all our hearts. Many of our friends and families have needed the hospice’s care which provides the best end of life care. It’s a truly worthwhile cause.”

Simon Jones from Llanrhos who cycled around the Orme every day. He completed 269 miles in total. Simon tackled the eight miles trip from his house, in all weather conditions including storm Francis which blew him sideways.

Simon said: “I was a little nervous going into the challenge – I didn’t know how my body was going to respond based on my current fitness level.

“Come rain or shine or friendly or unfriendly goats, I cycled every day to help support

St David’s Hospice recovery fund given the impact Covid-19 has had, ensuring the hospice can continue providing such important care.”

As well as walking around the Orme five times, Andrea Butler from Llanrhos took a unique route by going in a rib boat.

Andrea, who was raising money in memory of her husband David said: “Going on these walks with friends was the first time I’ve seen some of them within quite a while. I support the work of hospices and I hope the money that I raise helps give patients and their families the best care possible.”

Also many supporters put on their walking shoes and enjoyed time around the Orme with friends and family. Sandra Hughes from Conwy completed a lap around the Orme’s Marine Drive to remember of loved one she had sadly lost from her life and raised over £540 for the Hospice.

Little Nancy, at just 10 months old, brought her family together for the first time after Lockdown for a joint pram push which raised £435.

Ashlee Roberts, her daughter and two friends Sam and Chelsea also participated in St David’s Hospice Great Orme Goat Challenge. Ashlee updated the Hospice on a daily basis of her teams progress, who raised £275 towards St David’s Hospice’s Recovery Fund.

Ashlee explained her reason behind supporting the hospice; “We supported St David’s Hospice because they are local and the work they do is incredible. Supporting the hospice is more important now more than ever with the loss of income they have had over the last four months”.

”We had the most fund and challenging time. Made even better knowing we were raising money for St David’s Hospice”

Conwy Area Fundraiser, James Wilde said: “We’ve seen some fantastic and varied challenges as part of the Great Orme Goat Challenge raising a fantastic £8,065.36 in total.

“Every fundraiser has been committed to their challenge despite some difficult weather conditions. The funds and awareness raised will go a long way towards supporting both patients and their families here at St David’s Hospice.”

Due to the success of the event, the Hospice Fundraising Team are extending the challenge until the end of 2020. St David’s Hospice faces a challenge every year to raise over 75% of the £4 million annual running costs, but due to Covid-19, this year it faces huge financial issues with a £1 million loss.

James explains: "Primarily, we want to encourage people to get outside safely by undertaking this challenge. We also understand that not everyone has access to the Orme so we are widening the scope to virtual events as well.

“Set yourself a challenge before the year is out and raise funds for St David’s Hospice. For each challenge raising over £100 in sponsorship, we will award a limited-edition Great Orme Goat toy.